Cassandra Freeman To Play Kevin Durant’s Mom In Lifetime: The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story
Posted by Wilson Morales
February 3, 2016
Source: Deadline
Cassandra Freeman has been cast in the lead role to Lifetime’s original movie The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story, based on the life of NBA star Kevin Durant’s mom.
The Real MVP is the inspiring true story of Wanda Pratt and her dedication to raise one of the greatest basketball players in the world. As a single mom of two by the time she was just 21, Wanda tirelessly worked to make ends meet and put a roof over the heads of her young sons. With the support of her mother Barbara and of her best friend, Wanda focused all her energy on keeping her boys out of trouble and on the basketball court, selflessly putting aside her own dreams and desires to make sure their goals could be achieved. Her hard work paid off as Tony earned basketball scholarships while Kevin headed to the NBA. When Kevin was named NBA’s Most Valuable Player, he dedicated his speech to Wanda, naming her “the real MVP” for all of her sacrifices that allowed him to pursue his dreams.
Freeman stars as Wanda with Tracie Thoms as her best friend and confidante, and Pauletta Washington will portray her mother Barbara. The adult Kevin and Tony will be played by newcomers Daniel Bellomy and Nic Few.
The film is directed by Nelson George (Life Support, A Ballerina’s Tale) and written by Yolonda Lawrence (Witches Of East End) and Ligiah Villalobos (Ed).
Known for her role as Morgan on VH1’s Single Ladies, Freeman was also seen opposite Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s Inside Man, Alrick Brown’s Kinyarwanda, and Blue Caprice opposite Isaiah Washington. She will next be seen in Netflix’s Luge Cage.
A&E Studios is producing the film. Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere’s Flavor Unit are executive producers. Wanda Pratt and Shelby Stone (Bessie) also executive produce the movie, and Gina Ford and Brynee Baylor are co-executive producers. Production is currently underway in Vancouver on the film.
Lifetime will air the film on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8.
Named 2014’s NBA Most Valuable Player, Kevin captured the hearts of the nation with a speech dedicated to Wanda for all she has done to get him there.
