Showtime announces the cast of the new comedy pilot "The Wood," which is based on the classic 1999 film, starring two original characters. (Getty Images)
<p>Last year, we let you&#8217;ll know that Showtime is gearing up for a new series based on the 1999 classic film &#8220;The Wood.&#8221; The original film stars Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, and Richard T. Jones. Now the network has announced the cast for the new comedy pilot.</p>
<p>According to <em><a href="https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/showtime-pilot-the-wood-cast-vince-staples-richard-t-jones-tamala-jones-1235306018/">Variety</a></em>, Richard T. Jones will be returning to reprise his role as Slim, and Tamala Jones will be reprising her role as Tanya. Also, a part of the cast is award-winning rapper Vince Staples, Melvin Gregg, Karen Obilom, Xavier Mills, and Essence Renae.</p>
<p>Vince will star in the pilot as Jamal &#8220;<em>an aspiring photographer from Ladera Heights, who has been cut off by his upper-class family when he decided to follow his own path instead of going to historic Morehouse College.</em>&#8221;</p>
<p>The project will be directed and executive produced by Rick Famuyiwa, who wrote and directed the 1999 film. Justin Hillian wrote the script for the pilot and will also executive produce alongside Famuyiwa.</p>
<p>As <em><a href="https://dev.theshaderoom.com/tv-series-based-on-the-1999-movie-the-wood-in-development-at-showtime/">previously</a></em> reported, the synopsis describes the series as &#8220;<em>an honest look at friendship and dating from the perspective of three young Black males born and raised in the gentrifying L.A. suburb of Inglewood. The trio’s struggles to balance fatherhood, ambition, and loyalty force them to question if they are growing apart, or closer together.</em>&#8221;</p>
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<p>Xavier Mills will play the role of Dame, Karen Obilom will play Brielle, Melvin Gregg will star as Shawn, and Essence Renae will play the role of Ashley.</p>
<p>The 1999 film focused on three childhood friends that reminisce on growing up together in Inglewood, CA. While working to get their friend Roland (Taye Diggs) down the aisle on his wedding day, viewers get to see the development of their friendship and romantic relationships in flashback scenes.</p>
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<p>TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94</p>
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