Mary J. Blige has taken another huge step in the world of film and production by signing a new first-look deal with Lionsgate.
The R&B star will develop and produce content for the company under her Blue Butterfly Productions, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She’ll also create shows for all of its platforms.
Blige joins other folks like Courtney Kemp, Common and Mona Scott-Young, who’ve also signed deals with Lionsgate within the past year, and she recently gave a statement.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Lionsgate,” said Blige on Wednesday, June 26. “They are incredible collaborators and have been natural partners from when we first started talking. I can’t wait to bring all of our projects to life.”
Blige’s career seems to be scorching hot these days, because besides starring in Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy,” she’ll be co-headlining “The Royalty Tour” with Nas.
Plus, she’ll be headlining the Essence Festival later this month and appear in the VH1 series “Scream,” which features the mostly black cast of Faith Evans, Tyga, KeKe Palmer, The Notorious B.I.G.’s son CJ Wallace and Michael Jackson‘s daughter Paris Jackson.
Blige’s acting résumé is certainly longer these days, because she was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar in 2017 for her part in “Mudbound” and snagged another nomination for best original song for “Mighty River.”
Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs addressed the new deal and said he’s a fan of Blige’s work but also who she is as a person.
“Mary is a very talented artist, fearless visionary and an incredible human being,” he stated. “We’re delighted to be working with someone with such a powerful and impactful creative voice. Every art she touches blossoms, and we’re humbled she’s chosen us as her home.”
