‘Queen Sugar’ Renewed for Season 3, Ava DuVernay Inks First-Look Deal With Oprah’s Harpo
OWN has renewed Ava DuVernary’s “Queen Sugar” for a third season, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films said on Wednesday. Additionally, the production company has signed DuVernay to a first-look deal for television and digital media.
The first collaboration from the agreement will be DuVernay’s “Central Park Five” limited series on Netflix. That project is a collaboration between Participant Media, Tribeca Productions and Harpo Films.
“Queen Sugar” hails from Warner Horizon Scripted Television. The Wednesday 10 p.m. show, which chronicles the lives and loves of the Bordelon siblings in Louisiana, is adding Michael Michele, Roger Guenveur Smith and Beverly Todd to its ongoing Season 2 cast, OWN said today. Michele and Smith will play Darla’s (Bianca Lawson) estranged parents. Todd plays Mother Olivia Brown, a much beloved and respected matriarchal activist residing in the 9th Ward.
Also Read: 'Queen Sugar': How Charley's Breakdown Reminds Black Women That It's OK to Be Human
“I’m so proud of Ava and her ability as a filmmaker to challenge the status quo and push for inclusiveness on screen and behind the camera,” said Winfrey. “I love, love, love the work we have been able to create so far. I am looking forward to developing many more meaningful projects together.”
“There is fresh air and room to roam. There is an artist-driven atmosphere and an intention to share stories that nourish. There is a spirit of inclusivity and imagination moving at all times,” added DuVernay. “This is the new era of OWN. I’m thrilled to continue to collaborate with Ms. Winfrey as we expand the scope of our storytelling. And I feel fortunate to be a small part of this network at such a wonderful time in its evolution.”
Garrett Bradley, Liesl Tommy and Christina Voros will direct episodes for the second half of “Queen Sugar” Season 2, continuing DuVernay’s creative initiative to assemble an all-female directing team for this run.
Related stories from TheWrap:
How 'Queen Sugar' Normalizes Discussion of Mental Health for Black Women
'Queen Sugar' Season 2 Has All Female Directors 'Because We Can,' Says Oprah
