Shadow and Act has confirmed Disney+ has ordered to series The Crossover. A pilot was ordered last year for the project, which is based on the Kwame Alexander novel which won a Newbery Medal and was a Coretta Scott King Book Awards’ Author Honoree. The Disney Branded Television series will be produced by 20th Television.
Here’s the series logline: The Crossover introduces teen brothers Josh and JB Bell, widely considered basketball phenomenon. Through his lyrical poetry, Josh narrates the story of their coming-of-age, on and off the court, as their former professional basketball player father adjusts to life after basketball, and their mother finally gets to pursue dreams of her own.
The series stars Jaylyn Hall as Josh Bell, Amir O’Neil as JB Bell, Derek Luke as Chuck Bell, Sabrina Revelle as Crystal Bell, Skyla I’Lece as Alex, Deja Monique Cruz as Maya and Trevor Raine Bush as Vondie.
George Tillman, Jr. directed the pilot, was written by Kwame Alexander and Damani Johnson. Executive producers include Todd Harthan, Damani Johnson, Kwame Alexander, George Tillman, Jr., Bob Teitel and Jay Marcus.
Also with the series order announcement, the studio has revealed LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company have joined the project as executive producers.
Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, said, “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.”
Production begins in February.