Epix orders Forest Whitaker docuseries inspired by ‘Godfather Of Harlem’ drama

Godfather Of Harlem

MGM’s US cable network Epix has greenlit a four-part docuseries exploring the true history of Harlem, inspired by its Forest Whitaker-starring drama Godfather Of Harlem.

By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times Of Godfather Of Harlem will use interviews, archival footage, evocative imagery and key moments from the scripted series to explore those who took a stand against oppression.

“Through the prism of contemporary artists, audiences will see beyond the black and white historical images into the multicolored souls of musicians unafraid to use music as a weapon against change,” Epix said.

The four-parter will premiere in the fall and is being executive produced by Nina Yang Bongiovi and Whitaker from Significant Productions, along with Kasseem Dean and Keith McQuirter from Decoder Media.

Epix handed a straight-to-series order to Godfather Of Harlem in 2018, with ABC Signature Studios producing and Oscar winner Whitaker starring.

The show, which is written by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, explores the true story of crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker) as he takes on a Genovese crime family to regain control after a spell in prison.

During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X – catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. A second season is in the works.