Mary J. Blige will executive produce a romantic drama for Lifetime titled Real Love, inspired by her chart-topping single.
The cable network announced details on the film Wednesday in a press release, saying it’s partnering with Blige and her production company Blue Butterfly.
“Mary is one of those phenomenal talents that can do it all, and we are so thrilled to be able to partner with her again on this new opportunity to bring her music to life in the form of a movie that we know audiences will love,” said Tanya Lopez, executive vice president of scripted content for Lifetime and LMN.
Added Blige, “It’s exciting to now use this song and my music to create a new story by way of film, continuing to build on a pillar of the foundation of my production company, Blue Butterfly. My passions for acting and music now include developing diverse stories with music as the backdrop. I am grateful to Lifetime for their partnership in the story of Real Love.”
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“Real Love” was released in 1992 on the Grammy-winning singer’s debut studio album “What’s the 411?”
The original film will tell the coming-of-age story of Kendra who moves to a college in upstate New York. During her classes, she meets her film studies partner Ben. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
Real Love will be written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram. Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson executive produce for Blue Butterfly alongside Blige. John Davis executive produces for Davis Entertainment, with Sony Pictures Television distributing the movie.
The film continues Blige’s production and acting track record with Lifetime. In 2020, she co-executive produced the network’s top-rated made-for-television movie of the year The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel. She also starred as Dr. Betty Shabazz in her first movie role in the Lifetime civil rights biopic Betty & Coretta, with Angela Bassett.
Lifetime has not yet announced cast details or a release date for Real Love.
