Lionsgate TV has signed Common to a development deal.
The Emmy-winning rapper, actor and producer will develop new projects for the studio under his Freedom Road Productions banner. The agreement expands Lionsgate’s relationship with Common, who starred in installments of the studio’s “John Wick” and “Now You See Me” film franchises.
“We’re thrilled to have the talented multi-hyphenate Common join our television team along with his longtime manager and producing partner Derek Dudley, President of Production Shelby Stone, and creative executive Melisa Resch,” said Lionsgate executive VP and head of worldwide scripted television Chris Selak in a statement. “Common’s expertise from working across all different artistic platforms offers a rich and exciting creative vision to our group. We look forward to the bold, premium content Freedom Road Productions will bring to our deep and diverse television slate.”
On the TV side, Common co-starred in AMC’s post-Civil War drama “Hell on Wheels” and appeared in Lena Waithe’s Showtime series “The Chi.” He also lent his voice to Disney Junior’s “Lion King” sequel series, “The Lion Guard.”
Common joins Lionsgate Television’s roster that includes “Dear White People’s” Justin Simien and Yvette Bowser, Eric and Kim Tannenbaum (“Two and a Half Men”), Courtney Kemp (“Power”), Eugenio Derbez and Ben O’Dell (“Overboard,” “Instructions Not Included”), Jenny Bicks (“Sex and the City”) and “Dexter’s” John Goldwyn, among others.
“I’m proud to expand my relationship with the innovative content creator Lionsgate,” said Common in a statement. “The studio offers a collaborative, creative freedom that is unique in the entertainment industry, which makes them a perfect partner for Freedom Road Productions. I’m looking forward to teaming up with Kevin, Chris and the Lionsgate collective on exciting and fresh television programming.”