Posted by | Ray Cornelius
A New Edition biopic is coming to television courtesy of BET Networks and Jesse Collins Entertainment. The big news was announced earlier on Monday and the project will be co-produced by only five of the group’s six members: Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant.
Wait! No Bobby Brown?
According to the press release, the project is being developed by the network and will premiere in a three night mini-series in 2016. Here is what the group had to say in a statement:
“It’s been a long time coming and that time is finally here! Now that we have signed the deal, New Edition’s journey will be captured in a three night miniseries to tell our life story through our very own eyes. We are happy to have New Edition Enterprises collaborate with BET Networks’ Debra Lee and Stephen Hill along with Jesse Collins Entertainment. From our beginning in the Orchard Park Projects in Boston to Hollywood and everything in between, just like The Temptations and The Jackson Five—we are ready to retrace our footsteps and show everyone how we got here. For the fans all over the world, this one’s for you,” says New Edition.
This news actually comes as a shock to me considering there was a very well produced trailer floating around the internet in March of a proposed New Edition film produced by Atlanta filmmaker, Bobby Huntley. If you recall, Huntley’s passion project was titled, “NE Heartbreak” and he was soliciting support from the group via social media to be the production team to tell their story.
“The NE Heartbreak The Movement is a ‘labor of love’ mission, set up by a creative team of New Edition fans, to produce an authentic biopic, that will tell a sincere and honest narrative, of the lives and journey of New Edition,” said Huntley in a statement on his website. “NE Heartbreak The Movement’s main objective, is to be the production team entrusted to tell the story of 6 young men, who had a dream of success, happiness & music.”
Not sure what this new development means for Huntley’s project but at least the group’s story will finally be brought to the screen. RC will keep you posted as this story continues to develop. Check out Huntley’s 3-minute trailer below:
[youtube id=”6fuRTW2KNu0″ width=”600″ height=”350″]
Photo Credit: PopCultureBlog.DallasNews.com
