LeVar Burton and producer Will Packer have a remake of the acclaimed mini series Roots in the works! Rumors of a remake first started back in November 2014, but it looks like with the help of The History Channel, it is happening. The History channel, A&E and Lifetime are set to air the 2016 movie simultaneously.
“My career began with ‘Roots’ and I am proud to be a part of this new adaptation. There is a huge audience of contemporary young Americans who do not know the story of ‘Roots’ or its importance. I believe now is the right time to tell this story so that we can all be reminded of its impact on our culture and identity.” said Burton.
Roots, which aired on ABC in January 1977 for eight nights, is the tale of Kunta Kinte an african adolescent sold into slavery the story continues on with his and his families journey in the United states over generations. Roots earned an astonishing 37 Emmy nominations, and 9 wins, including best mini series. Lou Gossett Jr won for best actor and Quincy Jones won for his musical score of the movie. Execs for the networks say the producers will work closely with historians to add new information found about the events since the Alex Hailey book (Roots: The Saga Of An American Family) and miniseries was released.
In regards to Roots, Will Packer had this to say “The Opportunity to present one of Americas most powerful stories to a generation that hasn’t seen it is tremendously exciting. Contemporary society needs this story and I’m proud to be apart of it”
With all thats going on in the world, I definitely think we ALL need a history lesson.
