Posted by | Ray Cornelius
In October of 2012, we reported that Nick Cannon announced a sequel to his 2002 hit film, Drumline. Cannon tweeted that he would be producing and starring in the film but didn’t offer any further details. Fast forward to 2014 and Cannon is reportedly teaming up with VH1 to produce the project as part of the network’s original film series.
According to Deadline, VH1 is producing the sequel along with Fox TV Studios, whose parent company owns the rights to the film. The working title is Drumline: A New Beat and will focus on a new set of characters attending a fictional New Orleans University.
Here is a brief synopsis:
The story follows Danielle (Dani) Bolton, an upper-class Brooklyn girl who defies her parents in order to attend a college in Louisiana so she can join – and revitalize – their once-prominent drumline. Dani’s quest to become the first female section leader of the drumline in the school’s history will be hampered by upperclassmen (including her cousin, Tyree); her feelings for fellow band mate and rival, Jayven; and the school’s crosstown rivals.
Drumline was a box office success, earning $57, 588, 485 nationwide. The film also resonated with a huge chunk of pop culture, something Cannon hopes to replicate through the sequel.
“Drumline was not just a successful film; it was a cultural happening,” Cannon said. “Even though it was released over a decade ago, I am constantly approached by people on the street who tell me how much of an impact it made on them. As a producer, my thought was, ‘How do we create an updated version that would translate to today’s audience and still feel fresh and original?’ Adding a female lead character really makes sense, and VH1 is the perfect network to partner with on this modernized take on what is considered a unique and classic film experience.”
VH1 is releasing Drumline: A New Beat as part of its original series and is hoping to build on the success of Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story, which became the highest-rated cable movie of 2013.
RC will keep you posted as this project continues to develop.
Photo Credit: hypable.com
