The collaboration between Keke Palmer and SZA on Saturday Night Live paved the way for their roles in an upcoming buddy comedy film produced by Issa Rae under TriStar Pictures. Lawrence Lamont, known for directing Rap Sh!t, will helm the project, with Syreeta Singleton, his Rap Sh!t colleague, penning the screenplay.
While details on the comedy plot remain undisclosed, Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi will produce through Hoorae, accompanied by Deniese Davis from ColorCreative, and Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks from Macro Film Studios. Palmer’s company, Big Boss, and Sharon Palmer are executive producers, with Macro Film Studios co-financing and producing.
This venture originated from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, a platform designed to nurture emerging diverse screenwriters for their first studio feature projects. Palmer and SZA’s collaboration on Saturday Night Live catalyzed their involvement in the film. For SZA, known for her musical prowess, this marks her acting debut, a decision influenced by the prospect of reuniting with Palmer.
Keke Palmer’s career trajectory includes notable roles in films like Akeelah and the Bee and various TV shows, including Hustlers and Scream Queens. She has diversified her portfolio with endeavors like her podcast, “Baby, This is Keke Palmer,” and the digital network, KeyTV. Palmer’s accolades include a 2021 Emmy Award and the distinction of being the first Black woman to win Outstanding Host For A Game Show at the Emmys.
SZA, an acclaimed musician with Grammy wins and an Oscar nomination, achieved commercial success with her album Ctrl and the collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars” for Black Panther. Lawrence Lamont, recognized for directing music videos for prominent artists, brings his expertise to the film.
Palmer is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, Hertz Lichtenstein, Young & Polk, and LUNA PR, while SZA is represented by WME for theatrical and Top Dawg Entertainment. Lamont is represented by CoCre and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, and Singleton by CoCre and UTA.