Netflix to Develop a Feature Film Based on the True Story of the Viral Thanksgiving Text Exchange Between Strangers

Spending each Thanksgiving together since 2016, the heartfelt story ofJamal and Wanda’s unlikely friendship has made people smile around the world.

The film is based on the true story that went viral of Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench, two strangers who met after Wanda accidentally texted Jamal instead of her grandson, inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner. When Jamal, a senior in high school, accepted the invitation anyway, a deep friendship was formed between Wanda and Jamal, despite their very different backgrounds.

Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton said: “We are excited to share our story with the world. We hope it inspires more people to reach out and make connections that they wouldn’t ordinarily make. We are so blessed to find a genuine friendship brought together by God from a mistaken text message. ”

Abdul Williams will pen the film. Robert Teitel and George Tillman, Jr. for State Street Pictures serve as producers and Lawrence Mott serve as executive producers.

The Thanksgiving Text joins Netflix’s growing slate of live action family films featuring kids and teens, which include the upcoming film Mixtape directed by Valerie Weiss (Outer Banks) starring Gemma Brooke Allen and Julie Bowen. Other releases include: He’s All That directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls) and starring Addison Rae and Tanner Buchanan; Finding ‘Ohana, directed by Jude Weng (Fresh Off the Boat) and starring Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono; and Tall Girl, directed by Nzingha Stewart (Little Fires Everywhere) and starring Ava Michelle.