Hey Fam! We’ve got some exciting casting news hitting the wire. Gina Torres, our fave queen, is joining the cast of My New Friend Jim! This upcoming dark comedy from filmmaker Ash Avildsen and his Sumerian Pictures already boasts an incredible lineup: Keith David, Rob Lowe, and Katheryn Winnick. Talk about a dream team!
Currently filming in the vibrant city of Reno, Nevada, My New Friend Jim tells the story of two fathers from wildly different backgrounds. They forge an unexpected bond while on a frantic search for a runaway teenage daughter. This search evolves into a quirky exploration of fatherhood, morality, and the connections we find in the most chaotic moments of life.
Lowe is set to play Richard, while the legendary Keith David embodies Jim. Winnick steps into the role of Melissa Cory, Richard’s sharp-witted and opinionated wife. Their strained marriage takes a wild turn when she unexpectedly becomes an accessory to Richard’s crime, which oddly reignites their spark. Whew, chile, the drama!
And that’s where our girl Gina comes in! Torres will portray Dorothy Dandy, the sweet yet assertive wife of Keith David’s Jim. A health-conscious peacemaker, Dorothy often works to diffuse tension and becomes a true emotional anchor for Melissa. Despite their obvious differences, these two phenomenal women find common ground as they navigate marriage, motherhood, and some seriously intense moral dilemmas.
Anthony Mastromauro (The Old Man and the Gun, Finding Steve McQueen) is producing alongside Avildsen, with Paul Leighton, Angelene Tania Grode, and Lowe serving as executive producers. Brad LaFave is co-producer.
We all know and love Gina Torres for her unforgettable portrayal of Jessica Pearson on Suits and its spinoff Pearson. She made history as the first Afro-Latina to create, star in, and produce a television series. Her impressive credits also include The Perfect Find, Firefly, Serenity, Alias, and 9-1-1: Lone Star. This woman stays booked and busy, and we love to see it!
Keith David, who is currently appearing in FX’s The Lowdown and HBO Max’s Duster, continues to build an impressive slate with upcoming projects including The Ogilvy Fortune and the Rick and Morty spinoff President Curtis. Talk about range! We are constantly in awe of this man’s talent.
Avildsen, who heads Sumerian Entertainment—a company bridging music, comics, and film—recently directed Queen of the Ring, based on pioneering pro wrestler Mildred Burke. His previous works include American Satan and the series Paradise City.
My New Friend Jim is currently filming throughout Reno through November, with production recently spotted at several local landmarks. Keep your eyes peeled, Reno residents!
