Netflix has officially picked up a limited series directed by Octavia Spencer and LeBron James about the first Black female self-made millionaire in America, Madam C.J. Walker, Variety reports. The media service provider made the announcement on Sunday during a press tour.
Spencer is set to star in the series (whose title has yet to be announced), a scripted drama about the life and times of Madam C.J. Walker. The eight-episode series is based on the book “On Out Ground” by A’Lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of the iconic philanthropist. Bundles will also serve as a consultant throughout the making of the series.
This will be the first scripted drama for LeBron James’ production company, SpringHill Entertainment, solidifying his place as the show’s executive producer along with his company’s co-founder Maverick Carter and Spencer.
“I am really proud of this project and that SpringHill will be partnering with Octavia to tell this important story,” James told Variety. “Every American should all know the story of Madam C.J. Walker. She was an innovator, entrepreneur, social activist, and total game changer whose story has been left out of the history books. I hope this project lives up to her legacy with a story that will educate and inspire.”
The series will depict the untold story of how the black hair product pioneer managed to rise above the challenges of post-slavery, historic rivals, stormy marriages, and petty family members to become the first female self-made millionaire in America. With Spencer being an Oscar-winning Black actress, she can certainly relate to the “self-made” narrative and is the type to project confidence for nailing the part. As for LeBron, he is keeping things balling off of the court with this entertainment endeavor which is seeking a high success rate thanks to Netflix.
