Nia Long joins Teyana Taylor’s feature directorial debut ‘Get Lite’

Long joins Storm Reid, Leslie Odom Jr., Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and more in Taylor’s first feature as a director.

Nia Long has joined the cast of “Get Lite,” the upcoming Paramount film marking Teyana Taylor’s feature directorial debut. The casting news, reported by Variety, comes after Long’s appearance in the blockbuster biopic ‘Michael’, in which she portrayed Katherine Jackson.

The film stars Emmy-winning actress Storm Reid and NFL rookie-turned-actor Ceyair Wright. Production is underway in New York City, with Paramount planning a wide theatrical release on Aug. 20, 2027. In “Get Lite,” Wright plays a talented but sheltered dance student who discovers inspiration, love and a sense of family in the New York City subway system. Reid portrays a young woman who introduces him to new possibilities.

Long reunites with Reid after the two appeared together in the 2023 thriller “Missing.” The new film also features Leslie Odom Jr., Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jodie Turner-Smith, Asante Blackk, Woody McClain, Tylil James and Khayr Bullock.

Teyana Taylor is directing from a screenplay by Maurice Williams, based on an original script by Eric Gross that appeared on the Black List in 2020. The production team includes Reid, Kenya Barris and Anni Weisband for Khalabo Ink Society; Robyn Simpson for A Seed & Wings Productions; and Bill Karesh for Offbrnd. Taylor and Courtney “Coco” Gilbert are also producing through their company, The Aunties.

Nia Long’s casting follows a notable year for the actress, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2026. She recently portrayed Katherine Jackson in Michael, the biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson. The film also featured Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson.

Nia Long has built a career across film and television, with credits including “Boyz n the Hood,” “Love Jones,” “The Best Man,” “Soul Food,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Third Watch.” Her upcoming projects include the Netflix film “Don’t Ever Wonder,” which reunites her with “Love Jones” co-star Larenz Tate, as well as “Are We Done Yet?” with Ice Cube and another installment in the “Friday” franchise. Her memoir is also scheduled for publication in 2027.

“Get Lite” brings together established Black performers and emerging talent in a story centered on dance, belonging and unexpected connections in New York City. Taylor’s move into feature directing also adds a new chapter to her career as an artist whose work spans music, performance and filmmaking.