If Kenya Barris is involved, you know something special is at hand.
Barris is a well-respected writer, producer, director, and actor, best known for creating the ABC sitcom black-ish. The award-winning show went on to create two successful spinoffs, grown-ish and mixed-ish, with Barris making his acting debut in #BlackAF on Netflix.
Now, things come full circle as Barris works on yet another incredible show on Netflix, this time for Vince Staples on The Vince Staples Show. Premiering on February 15th, the new comedy series brings you into the life of Vince Staples, accompanying him on his many adventures. Whether it’s hanging with the homies, going to a theme park, or even moments of almost getting shot, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to Vince Staples.
The Source had the pleasure of chatting with Kenya Barris at the red carpet premiere and screening of The Vince Staples Show at Netflix Tudum Theater in Los Angeles, California.
What was the moment you fell in love w/ Hip-Hop?
I’ma say Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was the first album that happened. But Jay Z was the person who pushed me over. [laughs]
Favorite Jay Z song?
The Reasonable Doubt album. The whole album, you can play it through.
What do you like about Vince Staples?
I was a big fan of Vince. My kids love him, I love him. He’s like a hood savant. He literally is. He comes in and nobody thinks like him. He says stuff that makes you feel like people have to hear what you have to say.
Vince is known to push boundaries. Was there anything that went too far or anything you had to cut?
Everything. [laughs] Everything. lt lived and died in the edit room. Vince pushed us as much as we could in every way.
Kenya Barris has a long history of developing complex black stories for modern audiences, with such hits under his belt as Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Kid Cudi’s animated venture, Entergalactic, which premiered on Netflix in 2022. For several years now, the acclaimed writer has been developing a modern adaptation of the classic 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz, with plans to set the story in Inglewood, California. Kenya Barris originally tried to purchase the rights to an adaptation of The Wiz, though the IP is currently entangled in the upcoming Disney+ outing of Wicked.
Instead, Barris has partnered with Warner Brothers to provide his take on the age-old musical. This project serves as one of many upcoming outings from Barris, as the writer has also signed on to helm a remake of the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life, as well as a Richard Pryor biopic. Though specific details are scant on the upcoming Wizard Of Oz remake, here’s what we know about the musical so far.
We’re Not In Kansas Anymore
Kenya Barris’ Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ remake is coming straight out of Inglewood. https://t.co/VOQUqTnqUD
While the original Wizard Of Oz famously takes place on a farm in the Kansas prairie, Kenya Barris shifted the project to a more familiar modern landscape. In this new iteration, Dorothy will live in the Bottoms, a massive low-income housing project in Inglewood, California. Per Barris, the film will take the existing themes of the original film and the 1900 children’s novel on which the movie is based and renew them with a modern twist. Barris is not the first writer to re-contextualize the IP, as The Wiz set the events in Harlem.
Barris explained, “The original Wizard of Oz took place during the Great Depression, and it was about self-reliance and what people were going through. I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be. It’s ultimately a hero’s journey, someone thinks something’s better than where they’re at, and they go and realize that where they’re at is where they should be. I want people to be proud and happy about where they’re from. But I want the world to take a look at it and I hope that will come through.”
The Script Was Recently Completed
Kenya Barris says his ‘WIZARD OF OZ’ remake will follow a girl who lives in the Bottoms, a huge apartment complex located in Inglewood, California.
Further, Kenya Barris has teased his Wizard Of Oz film for years, leaving some fans to question when, if ever, the film would finally arrive. Barris recently confirmed with Complex that he has completed the screenplay, signaling a significant advancement in the film’s development. This suggests that the film is likely entering the early stages of pre-production. While Barris hasn’t disclosed any information about the cast, the Black-ish creator has expressed interest in featuring a subversive lead, deviating from audience expectations.
Barris didn’t name the mystery actor he had in mind, though he did specify, “I know people feel like they know what we’re going to do, so I want to do something totally different.” He made these comments in response to queries about potentially hiring one of his past collaborators, meaning we likely won’t see any Black-ish or Grown-ish leads heading the film.
There Are Several Projects In The Pipeline Before The Wizard Of Oz Film
Despite completing the script and gearing up for casting, Kenya Barris has multiple projects set to premiere before the upcoming Wizard of Oz remake. Barris is listed as a producer on the upcoming Netflix original series The Vince Staples Show, starring the eponymous rapper, as well as the Snoop Dogg and Mike Epps-led film Underdoggs. As one of the hardest-working creators in the industry, it’s no surprise Barris has his hands full with so many projects. Regardless, more news about the casting and release of Kenya Barris’ Wizard Of Oz is sure to come in the next few months.
Kenya Barris, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to television and film, has forged a path marked by innovation and cultural impact. As of 2024, his illustrious career, spanning various roles as a writer, producer, and creator, has amassed a net worth of $75 million, according to FanFest. Barris’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to his creative vision and ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
Pioneering Storytelling: Barris’s Career Highlights
PASADENA, CA – FEBRUARY 11: The cast of Black-ish poses in the press room at the 48th NAACP. Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images )
Kenya Barris first rose to prominence with the creation of Black-ish, a television series that combines humor with poignant social commentary, earning widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated viewership. This success was not an isolated event but a part of a series of accomplishments in Barris’s career. He has been the driving force behind several successful shows, including Grown-ish and Mixed-ish, which further explore nuanced narratives around identity, family, and society. His ability to weave storytelling with contemporary issues has made him a significant voice in modern television.
Expanding Horizons: Barris’s Ventures Beyond Television
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 05: Honoree Scott ‘Kid Cudi’ Mescudi poses with the “Groundbreaker Award” and. Kenya Barris during the Critics Choice Association’s 5th Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century. Plaza on December 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Beyond his notable television successes, Barris has extended his creative reach into film and other media ventures. His involvement in film projects as a writer and producer showcases his versatility and grasp of different storytelling mediums. Barris’s work often reflects his commitment to addressing cultural and societal themes, resonating with and inspiring a broad audience. His forays into these various entertainment realms diversify his career and contribute significantly to his net worth and industry stature.
Personal Life & Impact: The Man Behind The Screen
Kenya Barris at the premiere of “You People” held at the Regency Village. Theatre on January 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Apart from his professional achievements, Kenya Barris’s personal life and background profoundly influence his creative output. His experiences and perspectives as a Black American man in the United States inform much of his work. It gives his projects their authenticity and depth. Barris is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting education and opportunities for underrepresented communities. His personal journey and advocacy reflect his commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the entertainment industry.
In summarizing Kenya Barris’s career and his $75 million net worth in 2024, it’s evident that his influence stretches far beyond his financial achievements. His legacy in the entertainment world is marked by his unique ability to meld entertainment with insightful social commentary, making him one of the most important voices in contemporary media. Barris’s journey from a budding writer to a powerhouse in television and film is a narrative of relentless creativity, cultural relevance, and a dedication to impactful storytelling.
Paramount Global has announced that the majority stake for BET Media Group, including VH1, BET cable network, and BET+ streaming service, is no longer up for sale. This is a massive blow to potential buyers such as Tyler Perry and other prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Paramount Calls Off BET Sale On August 16, […]
Tyler Perry has finalized a groundbreaking deal to purchase BET Networks, the prominent Black Entertainment Television network. This acquisition grants Perry control over BET Media Group, including VH1. Perry already owns a minority stake in the streaming service BET+. TV and film mogul Tyler Perry has recently finalized a deal to purchase a majority stake […]
A new bid to acquire the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network has emerged, as 50 Cent, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenya Barris have joined forces with Group Black, CVC Capital Partners, and Authentic Brands Groups. They are now competing against Tyler Perry, Diddy, and Byron Allen in the race to acquire BET. Updated By: Chris Samuel […]
The race to buy the BET Network has been fast and fierce. Last month, Tyler Perry said to buy as much of the network as he could. Meanwhile, other prominent bids have been submitted by Byron Allen, the Travis Montaque-led Group Black, and Diddy. However, Perry and Allen had risen to the forefront of the bidding war. Perry has worked with the BET Network for many years now.
The BET Network was founded in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson, a former cable lobbyist. The aim was to create a television network that catered to the blossoming Black television consumer base. In 2001, Viacom purchased BET Network. At the time, the network was sold for $3 billion. The BET Network has become the foremost network for Black-centric content, both scripted and unscripted.
New Bid For BET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Kenya Barris attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “You People” at Regency Village Theatre on January 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/WireImage)
However, a new bid has reportedly emerged to buy the network. 50 Cent, Shaq, and television mogul Kenya Barris have reportedly launched a joint bid. This was seemingly confirmed by TMZ spotting the trio outside of Paramount headquarters this week. The bid is reportedly being financed by investment firm CVC. What’s more, the bid is allegedly now the frontrunner to buy the network. “It’s not a done deal, but they’re deep in it,” a source told TMZ. They could threaten the bids of Perry and Allen. Perry especially seemed like a prominent bidder, especially given his long-standing relationship with the network herself.
The three figureheads of the bid are all having something of a renaissance. 50 Cent recently announced a global tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Get Rich Or Die Trying”. Shaq is making music again. Meanwhile, Barris directed the Netflix comedy You People and penned the remake of White Men Can’t Jump on Hulu. They have not officially announced their bid, nor has Paramount made a statement. Despite this, it would still fulfill Perry’s desire to see the BET Network retain Black ownership. However, any updates on the situation will be here on HotNewHipHop.
Kenya Barris is finally setting the record straight on whether he has a “fetish” for featuring mixed-race characters in his projects after he was blasted for being biased. Earlier this month, film critics attacked Barris after the trailer of his Netflix rom-com, You People hit the internet.
After news of the movie made headlines, some angry Twitter users attacked Barris, noting how interracial relationships and bi-racial characters are always centered in his storylines.
A few people accused the film writer of having an unhealthy “obsession” with bi-racial people.
This week, during an interview on Sway In The Morning, Barris finally addressed the criticism. When asked if he had a “fixation” with mixed-raced stories, the Black-ish and Grown-ish creator answered, “I do, I really do.”
He continued: “It’s crazy, it happened because I did a show about my family that I’m super proud of in Black-ish. My wife’s biracial, the kids look like my actual kids. Then there’s a spin-off with Yara [Shahidi] who’s amazing, which I’m super proud of that spin-off, there’s a spin-off about the mum character’s life, which was based around my kids’ mum’s life and the things she went through.”
Barris argued that he has created other projects that feature unique storylines outside of popular shows like Black-ish and Grown-ish.
“If you go outside of that, people don’t think or remember it’s Entergalactic, Shaft, Coming 2 America, The Game, Girlfriends, Girls Trip,” he said, before challenging his haters.
“I’ll go head-to-head, I’ll do a Verzuz. I’ll go against anybody for who’s Black, in terms of who’s put out Black s**t,” he added.
One thing for certain, two things for sure: the sun rises in the east, the earth is round, and Kenya Barris will never stop beating you over the head with his biracial obsession https://t.co/5wqYhMRgtZ
— Your Tiny Journalist Friend. (@thewayoftheid) December 5, 2022
Fans may find Kenya Barris’ new movie redundantly similar to his previous work. Social media reacts to Netflix’s You People, starring Jonah Hill, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Lauren London, and Yung Miami. The new Netflix movie trailer sparked controversy on the internet, with some people comparing Kenya Barris’ work to his past series like Black-ish […]
Kid Cudi is just days away from dropping his 10th studio album, Entergalactic. Though much of the album was recorded three years ago, Cudi has been in the process of creating an animated special to accompany the album. For Entergalactic, Cudi teamed up with Kenya Barris to develop the album’s animated component for Netflix.
In an interview with Rolling Stone Cudi revealed why he chose to take a different approach when creating Entergalactic
“…I was tired of making albums,” Cudi said. “I was bored of it. I was bored of having an album, dropping two music videos, and then that’s it. I was tired of the same old thing. And I was like if I’m going to do another album, it has to be exciting. It has to be something different that nobody’s ever done before. And that’s when I came up with the idea to try to do this musical told through animation. And it just made so much sense from that point on. Kenya [Barris] was the first person who really put the animation idea in my head cause he said that Netflix was looking for animation.”
