Forest Whitaker and the cast of the upcoming series from EPIX, GODFATHER OF HARLEM

Premium network EPIX released an inside look featurette for the highly anticipated series, GODFATHER OF HARLEM, premiering on September 29th at 10 PM ET/PT. The 10-episode, hour-long drama series is inspired by the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from eleven years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles and under the control of the Italian mob. While Bumpy finds Harlem ravaged by poverty, crime and drug addiction, he becomes empowered by a growing human rights movement that impels black and white citizens to take action. Together with former Harlem hustler Malcolm X, Bumpy embarks on a quest for redemption ignited by the movement to incite change both in Harlem and in American society.

In addition to Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) as star and executive producer, cast members include Vincent D’Onofrio (Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil), lfenesh Hadera (She’s Gotta Have It, Baywatch), Nigél Thatch (Selma, American Dreams), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale, Modern Family), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), Lucy Fry (Bright, Vampire Academy), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (It Comes at Night, Mudbound) Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, and Rafi Gavron (A Star Is Born).

Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the series is co-created and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos). Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, along with James Acheson, Markuann Smith and Joe Chapelle, serve as executive producers. Chris Brancato serves as showrunner.

GODFATHER OF HARLEM was shot on location in New York City.