Disney+ Announces Basketball Series Inspired By Award-Winning Book The Crossover
Disney Plus announced a new basketball-themed drama series that is set to land on the streaming platform, drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed bestselling novel in verse The Crossover by Newbery Medal-winning and Coretta Scott King Book Awards' Author Honoree Kwame Alexander. LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company are joining the project as executive producers.
"We're honored to bring Kwame Alexander’s poignant, emotional and poetic story to our Disney+ audience in partnership with this outstanding group of creative talent," said President of Disney Branded Television Ayo Davis.
The pilot episode was written by Kwame Alexander and Damani Johnson ("All Rise") and directed by George Tillman, Jr. ("The Hate U Give," "For Life"). Kwame Alexander is also among the executive producers, together with Todd Harthan ("The Resident," "Rosewood"), Damani Johnson, George Tillman, Jr., Bob Teitel, and Jay Marcus.
Kwame Alexander is a New York Times bestselling author of 28 books, including The Undefeated, Swing, and Rebound. He received numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Prize, the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award, three NAACP Image Award nominations, and The Coretta Scott King Author Honor. Moreover, he is NPR Morning Edition's poet in residence.
The Crossover Release Date
At the moment, we only know production for the Disney Branded Television series begins in February under 20th Television's wing. This means the new series could be ready by this time next year, but more information will be revealed later on regarding The Crossover release date on Disney Plus.
The Crossover Plot
The Crossover introduces the "basketball phenomenon" teen brothers Josh and JB Bell. Josh narrates their coming-of-age story, on and off the court, through his lyrical poetry. Also, the storyline sees their former professional basketball player father adjust to life after basketball, and their mother finally gets to pursue dreams of her own.
The Crossover Cast
At the moment, Disney announced the names in The Crossover series cast are:
- Jalyn Hall as Josh Bell
- Amir O'Neil as JB Bell
- Derek Luke ("The Purge") as Chuck Bell
- Sabrina Revelle ("Zac & Mia") as Crystal Bell
- Skyla I'Lece ("Turn: Washington's Spies") as Alex
- Deja Monique Cruz ("Law & Order: SVU") as Maya
- Trevor Raine Bush ("After") as Vondie