Disney+ orders The Crossover series
January 20, 2022
The Crossover, a drama series based on the critically acclaimed bestselling novel in verse by Kwame Alexander, has been ordered to series by Disney+. The Disney Branded Television series will be produced by 20thTelevision and will start production in February.
The pilot episode was directed by George Tillman Jr and was written by Alexander and Damani Johnson. Executive producers include Todd Harthan, Damani Johnson, Kwame Alexander, George Tillman Jr, Bob Teitel and Jay Marcus. Additionally LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company are joining the project as executive producers.
Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, said: “We’re honoured to bring Kwame Alexander’s poignant, emotional and poetic story to our Disney+ audience in partnership with this outstanding group of creative talent.”
The Crossover introduces teen brothers Josh and JB Bell, widely considered basketball phenomenon. Through his lyrical poetry, Josh narrates the story of their coming-of-age, on and off the court, as their former professional basketball player father adjusts to life after basketball, and their mother finally gets to pursue dreams of her own.
The series stars Jaylyn Hall as Josh Bell, Amir O’Neil as JB Bell, Derek Luke as Chuck Bell, Sabrina Revelle as Crystal Bell, Skyla I’Lece as Alex, Deja Monique Cruz as Maya, and Trevor Raine Bush as Vondie.
Alexander is a New York Times bestselling author of 28 books, including The Undefeated, Swing and Rebound.