Issa Rae Teams Up with Keke Palmer and SZA for Upcoming Buddy Comedy

Issa Rae has announced a dynamic collaboration set to bring laughter to the big screen. According to Variety, Rae will produce a buzzy new buddy comedy featuring the talented duo of Keke Palmer and Grammy-winning artist SZA.

The untitled feature, slated for production under TriStar Pictures, is already generating buzz within the industry. Lawrence Lamont, known for his work on Rae’s “Rap Sh!t,” will take the directorial reins, while the screenplay comes from the creative mind of “Rap Sh!t” showrunner Syreeta Singleton.

Notably, the project emerged from the ColorCreative lab at Sony Pictures, as part of a groundbreaking initiative to nurture emerging diverse screenwriters’ first studio features.

Palmer, who will also serve as an executive producer through her Big Boss banner alongside Sharon Palmer, joins forces with Rae’s Hoorae banner, represented by Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi. Deniese Davis and Charles D. King of ColorCreative, along with James Lopez and Poppy Hanks of MACRO Film Studios, round out the impressive producing team, with Singleton serving as co-producer.

The chemistry between Palmer and SZA is already evident, as the duo shared the stage on a memorable December 2022 episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Palmer showcased her hosting skills, while SZA captivated audiences as the musical guest, setting the stage for what promises to be a dynamic on-screen partnership.

For SZA, this project marks a significant milestone, as she makes her acting debut in the comedy genre. Despite her newcomer status in the acting world, SZA is no stranger to the spotlight, having delivered captivating performances in cinematic music videos. Notably, her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars” from the “Black Panther” soundtrack garnered critical acclaim in 2018.

Director Lawrence Lamont brings his expertise from the world of music videos to the project, boasting an impressive resume that includes collaborations with top-tier artists such as J. Cole, Kanye West, and Snoop Dogg. With such a talented team assembled, expectations are high for this upcoming buddy comedy, set to deliver laughs and memorable moments on the silver screen.

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Talia M.

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