Even with the massive success of Fox’s No. 1 drama Empire, two-time Academy Award-winning director Lee Daniels isn’t resting on his laurels. The acclaimed producer and The Whole Truth writer Tom Donaghy are set to helm a new Fox drama called Star, with musical direction from Republic Records and CEO Monte Lipman.
Star centers on three talented female musicians who look to music as an escape from their troubled past and hope to shed the skin of their former life as they tread the road to stardom. Throughout their journey, the singers are met with the harsh reality that within the cutthroat music industry, success comes with a cost.
“Monte Lipman and his team at Republic Records continue to be at the forefront of what’s new and evolving in today’s current music scene,” Daniels said. “They know how to push boundaries and take risks — which is the essence of this new series and our group of girls. We’re looking forward to what is going to be a beautiful collaboration.”
The Fox series will star Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt, along with a bevy of newcomers, including Ryan Destiny, Jude Demorest, Brittany O’Grady and Amiyah Scott. Tyrese Gibson, Naomi Campbell and Lenny Kravitz also join the Daniels-directed series.
“We’re extremely proud of our strategic alliance with Fox-TV and Lee Daniels,” Lipman said. “Lee has become a force of nature whose artistic vision not only reflects modern culture and social consciousness, but helps define it. His fearless approach to the creative process inspires a generation.”
Daniels captivated the world with the all-star cast and musical arrangements in Empire, which recently returned for a third season. Where Empire chronicled the life of a music mogul, Star follows Jude Demorest (Star) as she trails her sister (Brittany O’Grady) and best friend (Ryan Destiny) and journeys to Atlanta to pursue musical careers.
“Monte, Tom and everyone at Republic demonstrated a passion for Star that impressed us all,” commented Mark Pearson, executive vice president, brand management and digital, for Twentieth Century Fox TV. “They understood the show, they had a vision for what to do with our performers and they offered really innovative A&R and marketing ideas. Republic is the perfect musical partner for Lee and Tom’s inspired new series.”
Star will air a special preview on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 9 p.m. ET on FOX. Watch the trailer for Star below.
