Focus Features announces production of Boogie, a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of contemporary New York City from writer and director Eddie Huang. Boogie follows a young Chinese-American basketball phenom who struggles to balance the expectations of his immigrant family with his own dreams of becoming a player for the NBA. Huang is the author of the autobiographical Fresh off the Boat: A Memoir, which was adapted into the critically acclaimed television series of the same name. A writer, producer and restaurateur, he most recently created and starred in Viceland’s “Huang’s World.” Boogie is the debut project from Huang to be brought to the screen, which he will also direct.  Josh Bratman of Immersive Pictures, Josh McLaughlin of Wink Productions and Michael Tadross will produce.  Focus Features will distribute the movie domestically, and Universal Pictures International will handle foreign distribution.

Huang said, “A lot of my work to date has been about the “Asian-American Experience” presented like a triumphal arch because that’s how I’ve felt since the Dipset Anthem dropped. Planet Asia needed me to stand out here with my two arms up “TOUCHDOWN,” but I’m in my Purple Phase now. Boogie is the reflection of my ancestor’s spirit and values as I’ve always felt them navigating me through this American life. ‘There’s pain in music. The game abuse it, but this year wrist wear remains the bluest.’ – Killa Cam.”

“Eddie Huang is a bulldozer with a wrecking ball attached.  He lays waste to expectations and shapes the ground of our culture with every new endeavor he embarks upon, and we couldn’t be any more proud or excited to a part of bringing his voice to the world. Hold on tight and watch what he does here,” said Focus chairman Peter Kujawski. 

Producers Bratman, McLaughlin and Tadross said, “Eddie Huang is such a unique, multi-talent. His wildly original generational coming-of-age story is born out of his own experience and roots, and we’re honored to be working alongside Eddie and the amazing team at Focus on his directorial debut.”

Early casting includes Pamelyn Chee (Beyond Skyline, Prescient, re: solve), Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (Spider-Man: Far from Home, Love, Simon), and newcomer Taylor Takahashi in the title role of Boogie. Chee is represented by Affirmative Entertainment.  Lendeborg is represented by CAA, Mosaic, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller.