Noel Clarke, the British multihyphenate, is returning to the film franchise that I’d say most (especially on this side of the pond) know him for, to complete what is in essence a trilogy of films that begun with "Kidulthood" in 2006, followed by "Adulthood" in 2008, and will apparently now end with Brotherhood, which Clarke has begun production on.
Details on plot and cast are being kept underwraps for now, but Clarke will direct from a script he wrote, and will also star in the film which is being produced via his Unstoppable Entertainment and Maggie Monteith’s Carpalla Films.
Announced today, joining Clarke in front of the camera are Arnold Oceng, Ashley Thomas and Red Madrell, with Jason Maza, Olivia Chenery and artist Stormzy – making his feature acting debut – rounding out the cast.
Also announced, filming is officially underway.
A film that Complex UK says kickstarted the "British hood film movement," "Kidulthood" follows the lives of several apathetic, disillusioned teenagers in inner west London. It was directed by Menhaj Huda from a script written by Noel Clarke, who also stars in the film and directed the sequel "Adulthood," which picks up 6 years after the end of "Kidulthood," and follows the film’s star (Clarke), released from prison after doing time for murder, a little older and wiser, as he tries to bring an end to the cycle of violence he and his pals are caught up in, and make something positive out of all the destruction he caused.
Both films, which feature some very early work of a few British stars of today, like Aml Ameen, Nicholas Hoult, and Adam Deacon, were modest box office successes in the UK.
Clarke is returning to reprise his role as lead protagonist Sam in "Brotherhood," which is slated for release in the UK in 2016, just in time for the 10-year anniversary of tthe release of the film that started it all, "Kidulthood."
Josephine Rose, Chris Reed and Gina Powell are exec producing, with Ingenious funding the production.
Lionsgate UK will release the film in the UK.
Both "Kidulthood" and "Adulthood" used to be available to stream on Netflix, but are no longer. So you’ll have to rent or buy them on DVD if you’d like to check them out.