“American Gangster” is like a lot of Ridley Scott films — functional, passable, entertainment that doesn’t really leave much of an impression. Certainly, no one has been asking for more, but if you’re one of the few who asked themselves, what was going on in Harlem before Denzel Washington‘s Frank Lucas took power, well, now you’ll have your answer.
A prequel series in development from “Narcos” co-creator Chris Brancato. Forest Whitaker is attached to star playing mob boss Bumpy Johnson, with the series taking place five years before the events of the film.
“It’s Harlem, the 1960s, a gangster named Bumpy Johnson was very close friends with Malcom X, so the show is about the collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement. It’s an opportunity to examine some of the things that are going on racially right now, but through the prism of the past,” Brancato said.
I’ll give the project this much — that’s certainly an intriguing backdrop and context for the show. Even more interesting is the mention that rapper Kendrick Lamar, may provide music for the series. “American Gangster” already inspired one iconic rapper, with Jay-Z releasing an album inspired by the movie. Lamar’s involvement isn’t confirmed, but it will be fascinating to see what he brings to the table should he sign on.
The untitled series is still being put together, but it’s expected that Netflix, Amazon or Hulu will be prime contenders to give it a home. [Screen Daily]