With an array of exciting titles coming to theaters and streaming services, here are some movies and TV shows with Black leads releasing in 2025.
“Bel-Air”
“Bel-Air” returns to Peacock for its fourth and final season in 2025.
The modern take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” stars Jabari Banks, Coco Jones, Adrian Holmes, Simone Joy Jones, Cassandra Freeman, Jordan E. Jones and Olly Sholotan.
The drama follows the life of Will Smith, played by Banks, and his journey from West Philadelphia to Bel-Air with more dramatic and modernized elements to further explore the complexities of Smith’s life.
“Forever”
“Forever,” based on the novel by Judy Blume, stars Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone and will premiere on Netflix in 2025, although no official release date has been announced.
“Forever,” explores the lives of two Black teenagers as they navigate falling in love and experiencing their first relationship with each other. Simone plays Keisha Clark, a track superstar, and Cooper Jr. plays nerdy basketball player Justin Edwards.
“Michael”
Jaafar Jackson stars as his uncle Michael Jackson in upcoming biopic “Michael,” slated for release Oct. 3.
“Michael,” was originally set to release April 8; however, Lionsgate pushed the release back six months.
The biopic showcases the life of Michael Jackson, exploring the highs and lows of his professional and personal life. “Michael” is directed by Antoine Fuqua and also stars Juliano Krue Valdi, Nia Long and Colman Domingo.
“Sinners”
“Sinners,” a genre-defying film directed by Ryan Coogler, is set for a theatrical release April 18.
Michael B. Jordan stars as twin brothers who return to their home in the Jim Crow South in the 1930s. Vampires, magic and spirits emerge throughout the film, breathing new life into the horror genre.
“The Residence”
From award-winning producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes’ media company Shondaland comes a new murder mystery series, “The Residence.”
The show is set for a Netflix premiere March 20, and follows Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), a detective investigating a murder at the White House. The series will have eight episodes and is inspired by Kate Anderson Bower’s novel of the same name.
“The Residence” cast also includes Giancarlo Esposito, Al Mitchell, Edwina Findley,
Isaiah Whitlock Jr. and Susan Kelechi Watson.
