Mekhi Phifer And T.I. Join Cast Of Roots Remake -Tha Wire

Variety reports actor Mekhi Phifer and rapper/actor Clifford “Tip” Harris has signed on to join the cast of Roots, the remake.  The groundbreaking miniseries will make a return to TV next year.  The original miniseries, aired for the first time in 1977 and was based on Alex Haley’s book Roots: The Saga of an American Family.

The rebooted version is going to be based on the 1997 “Roots,” and the eight-hour, four night remake will simulcast on A&E, History and Lifetime channels.  Blockbuster film director, Will Packer, and original cast member LeVar Burton will serve as remakes executive producers.  Acclaimed director/actor Mario Van Peebles and others will co-executive produce the film and Questlove of the rap group Roots, will be the movies exec music producer.

Roots the remake already had an all-star cast featuring the likes of Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Anika Noni Rose, Derek Luke, and others.  T.I. will join that A-list, starring as Cyrus, a proud slave that joined the Union Army.  And veteran actor Mekhi Phifer lends his skills as a mute slave named Jerusalem.

The new adaptation of Roots is scheduled to premiere on the entire A&E Network in 2016 and filming has already begun right here in Louisiana.  This is going to be fabulous!

Gonna keep a close watch on this one.  In the meantime for even more celeb news and birthdays LISTEN LIVE to Tha Wire on The Peoples Station 107 Jamz at 12:50 p.m. and again at 3:35 p.m. every weekday.