Without a doubt, Insecure is one of most underrated, scripted shows on television today. With an ensemble cast (A main cast including Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, and Jay Ellis), crude humor, and relevant life lessons, Issa Rae’s critically acclaimed series continues to make an impact on popular culture. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t know all the lyrics to Issa Dee’s “Broken Pussy” freestyle (Maybe’s it’s dry as hell, maybe it really smells…broken pussy)? Like most things in life though, all good things come to an end (Insert Nelly Furtado song). Insecure is currently airing its fifth, and final season to wrap up the series. So, in honor of this bittersweet moment, I thought it would be a fun idea to cast an Insecure movie.
THE PITCH
Imagine an alternate universe where Issa Rae pitched a new age, American romantic comedy-drama film that centers around a group of black women living in LA. Each character is navigating through love, heartbreak, healing, corporate America, partying, and social media (It’s giving the Best Man meets How to be Single). Sounds like we have a hit on our hands folks!
FANCAST
Source: HBO
Most of the character’s personalities will remain true to the television series, with liberties being taken here and there to accommodate the film’s two hour runtime. So, without further ado, lets meet our main cast:
ISSA DEE NICOLE portrayed by BAHARI
Source: IMDB
Cinematic Issa should be relatable, charming, and full of emotions. So, we’re looking for an actress with range. That said, I concluded that Nicole Behari will take the lead. Often overlooked (We’ve seen her on television, but we never know her name), she’s one of those actresses that can transition between television and film quite well. Plus, she has the acting chops to keep an audience entertained for a two hour film. This could be her big break.
MOLLY CARTER portrayed by WUNMI MOSAKU
Source: IMDB
Strong, independent, and quite anxious, Molly is pivotal to the storyline of the film. She serves as the Yang to Issa’s Ying, and guaranteed a lot of screen-time. After watching Love Craft County and LOKI, Wunmi Mosaku is the perfect casting choice for cinematic Molly. We haven’t seen Wunmi play this type of character on the big screen yet. Why not start with the ride or die character like Molly?
LAWRENCE WALKER portrayed by YAHYA ABDUL-MATEEN II
Source: IMDB
For Lawrence, I went with fan-favorite actor, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. After seeing his work in Aquaman, Candyman, and Watchmen, I was sold! Lawrence is a very layered character that requires both a charismatic, on-screen presence, full of raw emotion (Yahya has that covered). Plus, Yahya would have great on-screen chemistry with our lead. Will you be #teamLawrence this time around?
KELLI PRENNY portrayed by SAMIRA WILEY
Source: IMDB
Samira Wiley as Kelli?! Okay, I know she’s a wildcard pick, but hear me out. Samira Wiley has range. Although Orange is the New Black and the Handmaid’s Tale are two completely different shows, Samira does an amazing job on both. She has a flattering on-screen presence that can make you laugh and blush at the same time.
TIFFANY DUBOIS portrayed by TAYLOUR PAIGE
Source: IMDB
Tiffany is one of those superficial characters with a few extra layers. For this pick, I went with Taylour Paige. I’ve seen her work on Hit the Floor and ZOLA, and I’m pretty impressed with her acting skills. Her portrayal of Tiffany will put a new spin on the modern day house wife.
SUPPORTING ROLES
And now for the rest…
DANIEL KING portrayed by TREVANTE RHODES
Source: IMDB
DEREK DUBOIS portrayed by JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON
Source: IMDB
CONDOLA HAYES portrayed by TIFFANY BOONE
Source: IMDB
NATHAN CAMPBELL portrayed by DAVEED DIGGS
Source: IMDB
FRIEDA portrayed by EMMA ROBERTS
Source: IMDB
ALEJANDRO “DRO” PENA portrayed by ISMAIL CRUZ-CORDOVA
Source: IMDB
CHAD KERR portrayed by DAMON WAYANS JR.
Source: IMDB
AHMAL DEE portrayed by KELVIN HARRISON JR.
Source: IMDB
LILA portrayed by C. C. H POUNDER
Source: IMDB
FINAL THOUGHTS
Based on these casting selections, the film will take characters and storylines from all five seasons, merged into one story. Most of Issa’s love interests and relationships will be shown throughout the film, representing different phases of her life.
Be honest, if Insecure was in fact a live action film, would you pay to sit through it? Why or why not? Who would you cast in these roles? Feel free to share in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
Stay safe,
-Bryce Lennon