Dear White People‘s Justin Simien Scores Overall Deal with Lionsgate TV

Fans of Dear White People will be delighted to hear that Justin Simien has inked an overall deal with Lionsgate Television. Simien rose to prominence after his 2014 Sundance contender Dear White People (starring a pre-superstardom Tessa Thompson) rocked the festival. Lionsgate distributed the film and helped produce its 2017 Netflix TV show of the same name. Now, according to Variety, the company is making things official with the writer-director-showrunner, as Simien has signed a deal to create original content for the global group.

“We’re thrilled to expand our multifaceted relationship with the incredibly talented Justin Simien, who has already shepherded one of the most exciting cross-divisional properties in our portfolio,” said Chris Selak, Lionsgate’s executive vice president and head of worldwide scripted television. “Justin has an original, bold and refreshing creative voice that has become part of the national conversation, and we can’t wait for the projects he’ll bring us next.”

Simien had similarly flattering things to say: “Lionsgate embraces the creative vision of its artists and is committed to ground-breaking original content for its audiences. I couldn’t be more excited to expand my collaboration with Kevin [Beggs], Chris and the rest of the television team on exciting new projects that speak to our diverse viewers while continuing to push the envelope creatively.”

It’s undoubtedly exciting to know there’s more from Simien on the horizon. Until then, we’ll have to hold out for Dear White People season three.