Aja Naomi King has appeared on many of our fan casting lists and is someone who we’ve highlighted as an actress long overdue to become a leading lady in Hollywood.
In March, we announced that the How To Get Away With Murder actress will join Tessa Thompson in the Jazz era romance film Sylvie. Now, King is boarding another project rooted in history and she is set to join a fellow Yale school alum.
It was announced that the actress is set to star alongside Trai Byers in the historical drama The 24th, which tells the true story of the all-Black, 24th United States Infantry Regiment and the Houston Riot of 1917.
The riot was a revolt by over 150 African American soldiers in response to police brutality in Houston. The Houston Riots took place over a single night and resulted in the deaths of 16 people, four of whom were soldiers.
Filming for the drama is currently taking place in North Carolina. The film will be directed by Kevin Willmott, who also co-wrote the script alongside Byers.
Bashir Salahuddin, Mo McRae, Tosin Morohunfola, Mykelti Williamson and Thomas Haden Church will also star.
In February, Willmott took home the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar alongside Spike Lee for the acclaimed film, BlacKkKlansman.
Byers is best known for his role as Andre Lyon on the FOX music drama Empire. Both King and Byers are alums of the Yale School of Drama.
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Photo: Getty Images
