Malachi Kirby and LeVar Burton stand side by side in the first photo released from the new miniseries remake of “Roots.”
Based on Alex Haley’s 1976 book of the same name, the classic “Roots” follows the history of Haley’s own family from the abduction in Africa of eventual slave Kunta Kinte, through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and emancipation.
Malachi was handpicked for the lead role by executive producers Will Packer and LeVar Burton, who played the original Kunta Kinte.
Production is underway in New Orleans and South Africa.
“Roots” is an A+E Studios production in association with Marc Toberoff and The Wolper Organization, the company that produced the original “Roots.” Will Packer, Marc Toberoff, Mark Wolper, Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal serve as executive producers. LeVar Burton and Korin D. Huggins are co-executive producers.