From the court to the silver screen — a former Memphis Grizzly has pivoted his focus to Hollywood with a screenplay set in his hometown.
"Break the Cycle," written by Jarnell Stokes and featuring Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. in a starring role, is set to start filming in Memphis, Tennessee this March.
Described as a "heart-pounding journey through the world of streetball," the movie is also said to include former NFL star Vernon Davis, former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Vivica A. Fox in the cast. Others who have joined the film’s cast reportedly include Loretta Devine (Waiting to Exhale) and Kym Whitley (Next Friday).
"This film is a heart-pounding journey through the world of streetball that explores themes of family, ambition and the moral complexities of urban life," former Grizzly Jarnell Stokes said. "It tells the story of navigating a treacherous path — an unfortunate reality for far too many young boys in our urban communities. I’m so excited to have written my first film and honored to be working with such a tremendously talented group of actors to bring this project to life."
Directed by Josh Weber (Never Heard), "Break the Cycle" is said to "delve deep into the lives of two brothers whose childhood is marred by a horribly tragic incident."
Raised by their "loving but stern grandmother," the brothers take radically different paths in the movie — all as they come of age in the "gritty streets of Memphis."
Stokes will reportedly also produce alongside Rob Goodrich and Jason Armstrong of Walk Like A Duck Entertainment. Henry Penzi is executive producer.
"What excites us about the script is its terrifying plausibility. It’s essentially a true story," said Goodrich and Armstrong. “We’re thrilled to be working with Jarnell, Josh and the entire team to bring 'Break the Cycle' to the big screen for what will no doubt be a gripping thriller.”
Vivica A. Fox described the movie as "a meaningful film."
"I'm excited for 'Break the Cycle' and the impact I truly believe it will have," Fox said. "If it can motivate change or even a conversation in just one person’s life, we’ll have achieved something important."
