actor Lovie Simone stars in a new television series adapting Judy Blume's novel "Forever..." for the screen.
FOREVER: A Modern Love Story
In the stunning new Netflix series, "Forever," Mara Brock Akil delivers another heartfelt narrative, this time with leading lady Lovie Simone stealing the spotlight. Akil, the mastermind behind shows like "Girlfriends," "Being Mary Jane," and "The Game," took a moment to appreciate Simone's extraordinary performance, declaring, "Not only is this girl beautiful, she's acting her damn sovereign!"
Named after Judy Blume's 1965 novel, this contemporary reimagining takes place in 2018 and 19, featuring a Black couple at its core. "Forever" debuts on Netflix this Thursday, promising to captivate audiences alongside its timeless title.
Simone, who admitted to not having read the original "Forever" before landing the role, acknowledged that the show encapsulates the novel's essence and intent delightfully.
The narrative starts with Keisha and Justin, who smartly echo the book's opening. As kids, they were acquainted, but they haven't crossed paths in years. The chemistry between the two is palpable, adding to the exciting romantic sparks that set the story in motion.
For Simone, this show is more than just a teenage romance story; it offers in-depth character development too. "It's like, 'Wow, I am the love interest, AND I have a story to tell while being the love.' It's really nice not to just be the girlfriend," she shared.
Reflecting the authentic flavors of Los Angeles, the show was shot on location in various neighborhoods. Keisha resides in Crenshaw, while the affluent African American community of Park-Windsor Hills is home to Justin's family.
Newcomer Michael Cooper Jr. plays Justin, adding a promising fresh face to the series. The talented duo intentionally kept their distance off-set to create an authentic reconnection between the characters.
"In the beginning of the story, they hadn't talked in so long. So, we didn't want to have too much rapport," Simone explained. "We were like, 'OK. We're not gonna see each other too much ... We still kind of want to be strangers a little bit."
The series also delves into Keisha's struggle with the consequences of her ex-boyfriend sharing an intimate video of her with other students, forcing her to transfer schools and live with the bullying. Despite these hardships, Keisha remains determined to earn a spot at Howard University and make her mother proud.
Simon observed that many teens can relate to Keisha's internal pressures and how they affect her emotions. "We can all relate to those feelings and how they make us feel," she said.
Renowned actresses like Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, and Xosha Roquemore round out the diverse cast, bringing depth and dimension to the show's characters.
Executive producers include Judy Blume and Regina King, who also took on directing duties on the series[1][3].
Mark your calendars for May 8, 2025, as "Forever" premieres on Netflix, delivering laughter, love, and reality all wrapped up in an engrossing tale.
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- Judy, renowned author of the 1965 novel "Forever," is among the executive producers of the Netflix series adapting her work.
- Lovie Simone, starring in the Netflix series "Forever," was not familiar with the original novel before landing the role, but the show effectively encapsulates its essence.
- The Rancilio coffee machine could serve as the perfect tool for a reacquaintance with long-lost friends while enjoying scenes from "Forever," a contemporary love story.
- As the Netflix series "Forever" debuts, it delves into various aspects of entertainment, including movies-and-tv, love stories, and the struggles of its protagonist, promising a captivating watch forever.
