Mara Brock Akil Brings Judy Blume Adaptation To Netflix: Here’s What We Know About ‘Forever’

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Few stories capture the unforgettable experience of first love like Forever, Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel. Now, celebrated writer-producer Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane) is set to reimagine this classic tale for a new generation. Here’s what we know about the series ahead of its release this year.

Forever is headed to Netflix in 2025. This contemporary adaptation centers on two Black teens navigating the joys, heartbreak, and self-discovery that come with being each other’s “capital-F Firsts.”

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 2018 Los Angeles, Forever follows Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), two young athletes who fall deeply in love. As they explore their identities through their relationship, they soon realize how their first love will shape their lives in unexpected ways. The first teaser for the series teases the chemistry between the pair, capturing the intensity of young love and the challenges that come with it.

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Story

Akil has long been known for her ability to tell authentic and emotionally rich Black love stories. From Moesha to Being Mary Jane, her work has consistently explored the depth and complexity of relationships, making her the perfect creative force to bring Forever to life.

“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice,” Brock Akil shared with Tudum. “I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, Forever.”

Regina King (One Night in Miami, A Man in Full) is also joining the project as an executive producer and will direct the first episode, bringing her signature storytelling depth and cinematic vision to the series.

A Star-Studded Cast

Lovie Simone (Social Distance, Manhunt) takes on the role of Keisha Clark, a confident and ambitious track star with big dreams beyond high school. Michael Cooper Jr. (On the Come Up) plays Justin Edwards, an intellectual at heart disguised as a star athlete. While he hopes to play Division I basketball, Justin is also searching for something deeper, and his love for Keisha challenges him to confront who he truly is.

The cast also includes:

• Karen Pittman (The Morning Show) as Dawn, Justin’s protective and accomplished mother.
• Wood Harris (The Wire) as Eric, Justin’s supportive but more lenient father.
• Xosha Roquemore (Atlanta) as Shelly, Keisha’s hardworking mother.
• Niles Fitch (This Is Us) as Darius, Justin’s charismatic best friend.
• E’myri Crutchfield (Fargo) as Tammy, Keisha’s biggest rival on the track team.

A Landmark Project

As Brock Akil’s first project under her overall deal with Netflix, Forever continues her journey of creating meaningful, diverse, and authentic love stories on screen. Executive producers Judy Blume, Susie Fitzgerald, Erika Harrison, and Anthony Hemingway are also on board. The series aims to maintain the heart of the original novel while bringing a fresh and modern perspective.

With its powerhouse team and compelling cast, Forever should be a beautiful coming-of-age love story when it arrives on Netflix in 2025.

Check out the teaser below: