Joy Bryant & Eight New Stars Shock 'Women Like Us' Netflix Drama

**The film, produced by Higher Ground and Macro Film Studios, has announced a new ensemble of nine actors, expanding its cast beyond the original lineup of Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa Williams, Jenifer Lewis and Whoopi Goldberg.**

Women Like Us is a Netflix original that follows a recently widowed woman who is pulled into a weekend in the Hamptons by her lifelong best friends and sister on what should have been her 30th anniversary. The story turns into a reckoning with grief, marriage, sisterhood and the realization that dreams never expire.

The project was announced in July, with director Tasha Smith at the helm of a script written by Ali Kinney and additional writing from Tracy Oliver.

Production is led by James Lopez and Poppy Hanks for Macro Film Studios, while Anikah McLaren and Mark R. Wright produce under Higher Ground. Executive producer Michelle Obama joins a roster that also includes Charles D.

King, founder of Macro Film Studios, who is an executive producer on the film.

The new cast adds Greg Tarzan Davis, Melanie Liburd, Harry Lennix, Joy Bryant, Danielle Pinnock, Dewayne Perkins, Samara Joy, Tiffany Boone and Gail Bean. Character details remain undisclosed as production builds the film’s world around themes of grief, friendship and late‑life aspirations.

## Background & Context

The film originates from a collaboration between Netflix’s new studio and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground. It follows a woman who, after losing her husband, is drawn into a weekend gathering with lifelong friends and her sister on what should have been her 30th anniversary.

The narrative explores grief, marriage dynamics, and the enduring power of sisterhood while reminding viewers that dreams are timeless.

Director Tasha Smith, known for her work on socially conscious projects, will translate the script into a cinematic experience. The screenplay was written by Ali Kinney and features additional material from writer Tracy Oliver. The film’s tone is expected to blend heartfelt drama with moments of humor and resilience.

Production is led by James Lopez and Poppy Hanks for Macro Film Studios, while Anikah McLaren and Mark R. Wright represent Higher Ground. Executive producer Michelle Obama joins a roster that includes Charles D.

King, founder of Macro Film Studios, whose influence extends beyond the production crew into broader cultural storytelling.

## Cast Expansion

The nine new additions fill key supporting roles that will intersect with the main characters’ journey. Greg Tarzan Davis, recognized from *Top Gun*, joins alongside Melanie Liburd of *Bad Boys: Ride or Die*. Harry Lennix, known for *The Blacklist*, and Joy Bryant from *Parenthood* also sign on.

Danielle Pinnock, cast in *Ghosts*, and Dewayne Perkins of *The Studio* bring diverse perspectives to the ensemble. Grammy‑winning vocalist Samara Joy, along with voice talent Tiffany Boone—who performed in *Mufasa: The Lion King*—also join the lineup. Gail Bean, featured in *The Drop: A Snowfall Saga*, rounds out the cast.

Representation for the new actors includes agencies such as CAA, Untitled, Hansen,

Jacobson, Teller for Davis; Accelerate and Independent Artist Group for Liburd;

Innovative Artists for Lennix; Gersh and Principal Entertainment for Bryant; IAG and Mainstay Entertainment for Pinnock;

CAA and Artists First for Perkins; CAA and Vault Entertainment for Boone; and Innovative and Echo Lake Entertainment for Bean.

## Project Landscape & Future Titles

Women Like Us is among several projects emerging from the Netflix–Higher Ground partnership. The duo already produced *American Factory*, which earned an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Upcoming collaborations feature the series *The Altruists* and *All the Sinners Bleed*, as well as an untitled mother‑daughter comedy starring Julianne Moore.

These projects illustrate a commitment to diverse storytelling that highlights underrepresented voices. Each title promises a unique blend of drama, social commentary and genre experimentation that aligns with Higher Ground’s mission to inspire change through media.

As Women Like Us moves closer to production, details such as release date and character specifics remain forthcoming. Fans can expect updates from Netflix and the film’s production teams as the project progresses toward its scheduled release.

The addition of nine fresh faces to Women Like Us underscores the film’s intent to weave a rich relationships and personal growth. With a strong creative team and a partnership that has already proven award‑winning, the movie positions itself as a poignant addition to Netflix’s expanding slate of socially relevant narratives.