Halle Berry and Lena Waithe say BET’s new ‘Boomerang’ series updates story for millennial audiences

Feb 12, 2019

Lena Waithe, left, and Halle Berry participate in the "Boomerang" panel during the BET presentation at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour at The Langham Huntington on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) thegrio.com — Lena Waithe, left, and Halle Berry participate in the "Boomerang" panel during the BET presentation at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour at The Langham Huntington on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)

Halle Berry and Lena Waithe say they’ve updated the 1992 movie “Boomerang” for a new generation.

Berry said the original story that focused on black characters’ lives and work was innovative for its time.

But Berry said the issues that millennials face today are different and required a “fresher” approach for the BET comedy series premiering 10 p.m. EST Tuesday.

Waithe said she understands the affection people have for the film that, besides Berry, starred Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens, David Alan Grier, Martin Lawrence and Grace Jones. But Waithe said Monday that viewers who want fresh faces and a new take should watch the show. It’s set about 25 years after the movie and follows its characters’ offspring.

The series cast includes Tetona Jackson, Tequan Richmond and Leland Martin.