Nia Long is bringing a new political drama, Paper Gods, to ABC.
John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. will partner with the beloved actress and Sony Pictures TV to executive produce the series based on Goldie Taylor’s bestselling novel.
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The project is currently in development with Get Lifted co-founder Mike Jackson and showrunner Tash Gray. Long will executive produce and star in the series as Atlanta Mayor Victoria Dobb and she struggles personally and professionally.
Paper Gods is the third novel by Taylor, a former political strategist and currently editor-at-large at The Daily Beast.
The novel peels back the layers on the church assassination of Dobb’s mentor, a much-venerated congressman, to reveal a greater deception. The author will serve as a producer on the TV adaptation.
“This project has been a passion of ours for a long time and Nia’s commitment has never wavered,” Sony Pictures TV VP of Drama Development Lauren Stein said in a statement.
“When Tash signed on, it completed this great team. We are so happy to be moving forward with it at ABC.”
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Long also shared her thoughts on taking on the big role.
“Victoria Dobbs is a beautifully flawed and complicated character,” she said. “I look forward to exploring her journey as a wife, mother and politician. Paper Gods highlights the profound impact Black women have on American politics and the world. Mike, John and Tash are my dream team!”
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