Da Brick, a new series set in Newark, New Jersey with elements of former champion Mike Tyson’s upbringing, has announced its lead and several supporting players.
John Boyega, the star of Attack the Block, will play the lead role of Donnie, who, after his release from juvenile detention on his 18th birthday begins an exploration of what it means to be a man for himself and those around him.
Milauna Jemai (NCIS) will play Lynette, Donnie’s mother, with whom he reconnects following a 14-month separation.
Julito McCullum (The Wire) will play Kevin, Donnie’s best friend and the one person he can’t leave behind, no matter how much he may want to.
Kamahl Naiqui Palmer (Gossip Girl) is set as Malik, the moral center of Donnie’s tight group of friends who is looking for direction between his middle-class upbringing and the harder realities of his environment.
The project comes from filmmaker Spike Lee and L.A. Riots’ John Ridley.
Former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, Entourage creator Doug Ellin and his producing partner Jim Lefkowitz are attached as nonwriting executive producers. Lee is set to direct with Ridley on board to write and serve as showrunner.
Much as Entourage was inspired by producer Mark Wahlberg’s life, Da Brick will reflect aspects of Tyson’s upbringing. 
