David Farnor | On 29, Jan 2022

Disney+ is bringing Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover to the screen in a new drama series.

The series will be based on the critically acclaimed bestselling novel in verse. The pilot episode is directed by George Tillman, Jr. (The Hate U Give, For Life) and written by Kwame Alexander and Damani Johnson (All Rise).

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.

Starring will be Jalyn Hall as Josh Bell, Amir O’Neil as JB Bell, Derek Luke (The Purge) as Chuck Bell, Sabrina Revelle (Zac & Mia) as Crystal Bell, Skyla I’Lece (Turn: Washington’s Spies) as Alex, Deja Monique Cruz (Law & Order: SVU) as Maya, and Trevor Raine Bush (After) as Vondie.

Executive producers include Todd Harthan (The Resident, Rosewood), Damani Johnson, Kwame Alexander, George Tillman, Jr., Bob Teitel, and Jay Marcus. Additionally LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company are joining 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.

The Disney Branded Television series will be produced by 20th Television. Production will begin in February.

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