In exciting news for film enthusiasts, Anna Diop has been confirmed as part of the cast for the upcoming movie 'The Man in My Basement.' Diop, known for her roles in 'Nanny' and 'The Book of Clarence,' will join Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe in this captivating adaptation of Walter Mosley's bestselling psychological thriller. Directed by Nadia Latif, the film will reunite Diop with Hawkins, her former co-star from the acclaimed 2017 series '24: Legacy.'
'The Man in My Basement' follows the story of Charles Blakey, portrayed by Hawkins, who resides in Sag Harbor, a predominantly African American neighborhood. Facing dire circumstances, with unemployment, financial struggles, and the threat of losing his family home, Blakey's life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious white businessman named Anniston Bennet (played by Dafoe) approaches him with a strange and lucrative proposition. As the official synopsis reveals, Bennet offers Blakey a substantial sum of money to rent out his basement. However, accepting this offer sets off a chain of terrifying events as both men find themselves entangled in a chilling puzzle that delves into their family histories, trauma, race, and the origins of evil.
In this thrilling narrative, Diop will portray Narciss Gully, a local academic and antiques expert who has a deep passion for uncovering and showcasing the stories of African American history, particularly focusing on women's contributions. As she encounters Blakey and the items he reveals from his basement, Gully realizes that his family's history may hold the key to what she has been searching for all along.
'The Man in My Basement' has gained financial support from Andscape, the Black-led content studio backed by Disney and ESPN. The collaboration includes B.O.B. FilmHouse, the production company founded by Mosley and producer Diane Houslin, as well as Protagonist Pictures and Good Gate Media. The film will find its release on Hulu, thanks to Andscape's existing partnership with the streaming platform.
This project follows Diop's recent success as the lead in Jeymes Samuel's 'The Book of Clarence,' which had its premiere at the London Film Festival in October and hit theaters just last month. Additionally, she received critical acclaim for her role in Nikyatu Jusu's 'Nanny,' which earned the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022. Diop's remarkable performance granted her a Gotham Award nomination, as well as the Spotlight Award at the 2022 Newport Beach Film Festival. Fans of Diop may recognize her from her appearances in the DC Universe superhero series 'Titans' on Max, Jordan Peele's 'Us,' and the popular OWN drama series, 'Greenleaf.'
Represented by CAA, M88, The Lede Company, and Jackoway Austen, the talented Senegalese American actor continues to make waves in the industry. With her involvement in 'The Man in My Basement,' audiences can anticipate an enthralling cinematic experience that explores the depths of psychological suspense and sheds light on African American history.
