Issa Rae has signed on to produce a reimagining of the 90s New Line crime film “Set It Off,” an individual with knowledge of the deal confirmed to TheWrap.
Rae will produce the project alongside Montrel McKay through her Issa Rae Productions banner and may possibly star in the film as well. Syreeta Singleton (“Black Monday”) and Nina Gloster (“Star”) have been hired as screenwriters.
Directed by F. Gary Gray as his second feature film and released in 1996, “Set It Off” starred Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise as four L.A. friends who, tired of their low-paying jobs, decide to band together for a series of bank robberies. The crime spree is initially successful, but soon turns sour as three of them end up losing their lives. The film was praised for being a rare title with both action and a black female cast, grossing $41 million at the box office against a budget of $9 million.
Rae’s version of the film is said to not necessarily be a remake of the original, and story details are still being filled out. Rae, co-creator of the comedy “Insecure,” also appeared earlier this year in the Will Packer-produced comedy “Little.” In 2020, she will appear in the Paramount comedy “The Lovebirds,” as well as the Will Packer drama “The Photograph.” She is repped by UTA and 3Arts.
The new project was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.