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Keke Palmer and SZA Team Up to Star in Issa Rae Directed Buddy Comedy 338

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Keke Palmer and SZA will be starring in a new buddy comedy film produced by Issa Rae. The movie, which is currently untitled, will be directed by Lawrence Lamont, the director of Rap Sh!t. The screenplay will be written by Syreeta Singleton, the showrunner of Rap Sh!t, as reported by Deadline on Friday, April 26.

Palmer, who is 30 years old, will not only be starring in the film but will also be the executive producer through her company, Big Boss. On the other hand, SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, will be making her first appearance in a feature film.

The news was confirmed by Palmer on Friday through her Instagram account, where she reposted a screenshot of the Deadline headline.

The former Nickelodeon star shared a photo on social media with the caption "I CAN'T WAIT!!!" It received a lot of comments from fans and other celebrities.

One Instagram user commented, "This is lowkey the film of my dreams," while stand-up comedian Tony Baker expressed, "I WANNA BE IN THIS."

A separate social media user added, “Here for it! Y’all already got great chemistry.”

Keke Palmer and SZA Team Up to Star in Issa Rae Directed Buddy Comedy 339

The Hustlers star and SZA, 34, performed on Saturday Night Live together in December 2022. Palmer hosted the show while SZA was the musical guest.

Palmer hinted at taking a break from the spotlight in an interview with Teen Vogue in January. This news of her casting comes nearly one year after she had her son Leo with ex Darius Jackson.

In the interview, Palmer mentioned feeling like the time to step back has come. She expressed that she hasn't felt ready yet, but she knows the moment is approaching. Though she doesn't have an exact timeline, she senses that it's not too far off.

Palmer first gained fame for her role in the movie Barbershop 2: Back in Business in 2004. In 2005, she signed a deal with Atlantic Records and had a big break in acting as Akeelah in Akeelah and the Bee in 2006.

Since then, she has been in many different shows and movies. Some of her notable works include starring in True Jackson VP on Nickelodeon, Masters of Sex on Showtime, Scream Queens, and Hustlers where she acted alongside Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, and Cardi B.

Palmer recently made history by becoming the first Black woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show. She began hosting the Password reboot in 2022.

SZA, a newcomer to the acting scene, is a 24-time Grammy Award nominee and has won four Grammys. In 2024, she took home awards for Best R&B Song, Best Progressive R&B Album, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

She also took home the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her collaboration with Doja Cat on their hit song, “Kiss Me More,” in 2022.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA promises to be a delightful and star-studded affair. With Palmer's comedic chops and SZA's musical prowess, the film is sure to deliver laughs, heart, and catchy tunes. The fact that it is produced by Issa Rae, known for her groundbreaking work on "Insecure," adds an extra layer of anticipation.

Palmer's decision to continue her career despite her desire for a break is inspiring. It shows her dedication to her craft and her ability to balance her personal and professional lives. SZA's acting debut is also exciting, as it opens up new possibilities for her as an artist. The film's success could pave the way for more collaborations between the two talented women, creating even more memorable moments in entertainment.