Posted by | Ray Cornelius 

Tony-winning Broadway actress Anika Noni Rose will lead Ava DuVernay’s CBS drama pilot, “For Justice.” A few days ago, we reported that veteran actress Phylicia Rashad was starring as the lead but that was incorrect.  She will be starring in a supporting role.  Rose, will play Natalia “Nat” Chappel, an FBI agent who is being described as “cool, laser-focused and tough as nails.” Chappel works in the Criminal Section of the Department of Civil Rights Division and finds herself caught between the radical family she was born into and the professional family she has chosen.  “For Justice” is based on an adaptation of James Patterson’s The Thomas Berryman Number. [DEADLINE]

“Survivor’s Remorse” star Jessie T. Usher is replacing Will Smith in the long-awaited sequel to “Independence Day.”  In 2013,  we reported that “Fruitvale Station” actor, Michael B. Jordan, was being considered for the part but that is no longer the case.  As previously reported, the sequel would focus on a “bit like the son’s take over,” which works well with the studio’s plan for additional installments of the film, that is now being called “ID Forever Part I.” Look for it to be released in the summer of 2016. No word on whether Vivica A. Fox will reprise her role. [INDIE WIRE]

Comedian Mike Epps is teaming up with versatile actress Nia Long for a television remake of the John Candy classic, “Uncle Buck.” The pilot is for CBS and will star Epps as the lead, who is asked to take care of his nieces and nephews. Long will star as Buck’s sister-in-law. The project is being spearheaded by Universal TV and Will Packer Productions. [THE ROOT]

Congrats to everyone and STAY TUNED!

Photo Credit: IndieWire.com

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