Leslie Odom Jr. & Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Join Storm Reid in Teyana Taylor’s Star-Studded Directorial Debut ‘Get Lite’

Teyana Taylor is stepping into yet another chapter of her career — and she’s bringing some serious talent along for the ride.

Leslie Odom Jr. and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor have officially joined the growing cast of Get Lite, Taylor’s feature directorial debut for Paramount, alongside Storm Reid and Ceyair Wright.

Set against the energy of New York City, Get Lite follows a talented but sheltered dance student who unexpectedly discovers inspiration, love and a new sense of family through the city’s subway dance scene. Wright leads as the young dancer caught between two worlds, while Reid portrays the girl who introduces him to new possibilities.

At the center of the film is Litefeet, the high-energy dance style born in Harlem — Taylor’s hometown. That connection makes Get Lite feel like more than simply a directorial debut. It gives Taylor an opportunity to bring a piece of the culture that helped shape her to the big screen. The cast is getting stronger, too.

Odom Jr., the Tony Award-winning Hamilton star and Oscar nominee for One Night in Miami, joins Oscar-nominated King Richard actress Ellis-Taylor. Woody McClain, indie hip-hop artist Khayr Bullock and streamer Tylil James are also confirmed for the film, while Jodie Turner-Smith and Asante Blackk are reportedly in negotiations for key roles.

Taylor will direct from a screenplay by Maurice Williams, based on a spec script from Eric Gross that appeared on the 2020 Black List. She’ll also produce alongside Courtney “Coco” Gilbert through their banner, The Aunties. Reid is pulling double duty as both star and producer, joining a producing team that includes Kenya Barris and Anni Weisband of Khalabo Ink Society, Robyn Simpson and Bill Karesh.

Production is scheduled to take place in New York City, with Get Lite currently slated to hit theaters nationwide on August 20, 2027.

From music and choreography to acting, fashion and visual storytelling, Taylor has spent years refusing to be placed inside one creative box. Now, Get Lite puts her behind the camera on one of her biggest stages yet — telling a story rooted in movement, New York City and Harlem culture.

And with this cast coming together? Teyana Taylor’s director era is officially one to watch.

The Prince Report