Daniel Kaluuya To Star In Lena Waithe’s ‘Queen & Slim’ Romantic Drama

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya To Star In Lena Waithe’s Romantic Drama ‘Queen & Slim’

Daniel Kaluuya is heading back to the big screen. The Oscar nominated British actor known for his role in “Get Out” will star in Lena Waithe’s indie romantic drama “Queen & Slim.” The film centers on a couple who make a life changing decision against the backdrop of America’s unstable political and social climate. The official description states,

The film centers on a black man and black woman who go on a first date that goes awry after the two are pulled over by a police officer at a traffic stop. They kill the police officer in self-defense and rather than turn themselves in, they go on the run.

Lena Waithe

Waithe wrote the script based on an idea and treatment from  “A Million Little Pieces” author James Frey. She will also produce the film via her Hillman Grad Productions. Melina Matsoukas will make her directorial debut with and also produce. Waithe said about the film,

To me, this is protest art. It’s about being black and trying to fall in love in a world that’s burning down around you.

Matsoukas explained,

It’s a film that defines black love as a revolutionary act. It shows that our union is the greatest weapon against the assault on black people in America.

Matsoukas is known for directing musical video’s including Beyonce’s “Formation” and “Pretty Hurts.” She also directed three episodes of Issa Rae’s Insecure and two episodes of Master of None, including the “Thanksgiving” episode that landed Waithe an Emmy. In 2017, Waithe became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing. 

Kaluyya starred in Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” which to date has earned over $250 million globally. For his role as Chris Washington he was nominated for an Best Actor Academy Award. Most recently, he starred as W’Kabi in the Ryan Coogler directed “Black Panther” and can be also seen in Steve McQueen’s “Widows” with Viola Davis. 

“Queen & Slim” will begin filming in October and premiere in theaters November 27, 2019.

By: MJP