Netflix has announced a premiere date for the upcoming Madam C.J. Walker series starring Octavia Spencer. The four-part miniseries, Self: Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker, is scheduled for release on March 20.
Along with the release date, the streaming giant unveiled first look images from the project, which include Spencer as Walker, and Blair Underwood, who plays the late millionaires’ husband, C.J.
Y’all I’m so excited for this incredible story!!
Here’s a first look at “Self Made: Inspired by The Life of Madam C.J. Walker” starring @octaviaspencer, @BlairUnderwood, @TiffanyHaddish, @carmenejogo, and so many more! The 4-part series limited series debuts 3/20 on @netflix! pic.twitter.com/xOhm4MFeYU
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) January 2, 2020
The star-studded cast also features Tiffany Haddish as Walker’s daughter, Leila, Garrett Morris as Walker’s father-in law, Cleophus, Kevin Carroll as Walker’s lawyer, Ransom, and Bill Bellamy as his cousin, Sweetness.
W.E.B. DuBois will also be portrayed in the miniseries by Cornelius Smith Jr. DuBois was an outspoken critic of Walker’s company, which he claimed fell into “the hands of white capitalists” in a 1937 article for the Pittsburgh Courier. DuBois later clarified his stance in a letter to Walker.
Self Made was written by Nicole Jefferson Asher and A’Leila Bundles, and directed by Kasi Lemmons, known for helming Harriet, Black Nativity, Eve’s Bayou, and DaMane Davis whose directorial credits include Queen Sugar, Black & White & Red All Over, and How to Get Away with Murder.
The miniseries is co-produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment and Wonderstreet, in association with Warner Bros. Television. Spencer is also a producer on the series as well as Lemmons, Janine Sherman Barrois, Elle Johnson, Mark Holder, Christine Holder, and Jamaal Henderson.