Lionsgate in First-Look Deal with Mary J. Blige

Lionsgate has signed a first-look deal with R&B artist and Mudbound star Mary J. Blige.

Blige will develop and produce series under her Blue Butterfly productions banner, as well as create content across Lionsgate’s business platforms. Blige received two Academy Award nominations in 2018 for her work on the feature film Mudbound: best supporting actress and best original song (“Mighty River”). She also recently starred in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy and will soon appear in the movies Violent Heart and Body Cam.

“Mary is a very talented artist, fearless visionary and an incredible human being,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs. “We’re delighted to be working with someone with such a powerful and impactful creative voice. Every art she touches blossoms and we’re humbled she’s chosen us as her home. We look forward to all the exciting new content Mary and her Blue Butterfly banner will bring to our television slate and Lionsgate 360 orbit.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Lionsgate,” Blige added. “They are incredible collaborators and have been natural partners from when we first started talking. I can’t wait to bring all of our projects to life.”