From page to screen, the late award-winning writer Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking novel Kindred has officially been adapted for television — and it’s ready to make an impact.
Hollywood Unlocked was invited to the Los Angeles premiere, where we spoke with writer, showrunner, and executive producer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, along with members of the cast.
Jacobs-Jenkins, a longtime fan of the book, shared that from the moment he finished reading Kindred, he knew it needed to be adapted for television. Executive producer Courtney Lee-Mitchell echoed his passion, recalling that she first read the novel at age 12 — and now, years later, has helped bring it to life as a passion project.
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A blend of science fiction and historical drama, Kindred follows the story of Dana, played by newcomer Mallori Johnson. After relocating to Los Angeles to start a new life, Dana finds herself inexplicably transported between the present day and a nineteenth-century plantation, where she uncovers haunting truths about her family’s past.
For Johnson, this role marks her major breakout after recently graduating from The Juilliard School. When speaking with us, she described the opportunity as a powerful coming-of-age moment — both personally and professionally:
“This role symbolized a shift for me — stepping into a new phase of my life,” Johnson shared.
When asked about the pressure of portraying a character so beloved by Octavia E. Butler’s fans, Johnson admitted it was a responsibility she took seriously:
“I know [Octavia] has a cult following, and she’s so iconic. I didn’t want to do anything with the character that would disrupt that. I just wanted to emulate the character she wanted brought to life.”
Kindred will officially premiere on Netflix on December 13th.