Emmy-nominated actressIssa Rae(HBO’sInsecure) is set to produce and potentially star in a new version of the 1996 crime dramaSet It Offfor New Line, Collider has learned.
The project is still in early development, so it’s unclear whether this new film be a remake or a reboot or what have you, but it will be developed as a starring vehicle for Rae, though it’s unknown which character she has set her sights on playing.
The originalSet It Offwas directed byF. Gary Gray, and was the rare studio film to star four women of color in leading roles, asJada Pinkett Smithplayed Stony,Queen Latifahplayed Cleo,Vivica A. Foxplayed Frankie andKimberly Eliseplayed Tisean – four women who come together in desperation to rob a bank in Los Angeles, only to begin mistrusting each other soon after.
John C. McGinley,Blair UnderwoodandDr. Dre. co-starred in the film, which was written byTakashi BuffordandKate Lanier.
Syreeta Singleton(Black Monday) andNina Gloster(Star) have been hired to write the new script, and Rae will produce the film via her lssa Rae Productions banner along withMontrel McKay.
I remember watchingSet It Offas a kid, and it was pretty damn good, but by no means untouchable. The original was a hit, grossing $36 million at the domestic box office on a $9 million production budget, so if New Line can keep costs reasonable, this is the kind of female-fronted film that could become a “surprise” hit just likeHustlersthis past weekend. After all,Set It Offis a similarly-themed movie about crime and how it affects the push-and-pull of female friendship. So perhaps this is a wise move on New Line’s part. We’ll have to wait and see, but I’m eager to learn what direction Rae is taking this new movie, and which role she intends to play.
Best known as the writer, creators and star of HBO’sInsecure, Rae also executive producesA Black Lady Sketch Showfor the network. On the big screen, she most recently starred in Universal’s charming fairy taleLittle, and she’ll soon be seen oppositeLakeith StanfieldinThe Photographfrom the very same studio. She also stars oppositeKumail NanjianiinThe Lovebirds, which Paramount will release next year. Rae is represented by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorney John V. Meigs Jr.
For more background on the writers, check out interviews withSingletonandGloster, who is repped by Rain Management Group.
