We got some big news today (May 6th) from Southland Stories, the newly launched film production studio founded by Charlamagne Tha God, veteran producer Basil Iwanyk and Karen Kinney. The trio announced that they have joined writer-director Gerard McMurray’s upcoming action-thriller True Threat as producers. The film is also is produced by Alexis Garcia for CAT5, whose first release, A Working Man opened #1 at the box office last month.

A joint venture between radio host and entrepreneur Charlamagne Tha God, and Basil Iwanyk of Thunder Road Pictures and Asbury Park Pictures, Southland Stories was founded with a clear mission: to spotlight bold, authentic stories often overlooked in mainstream cinema.

“Films like True Threat are exactly why we created Southland Stories,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “It’s vital to show that Black creatives can thrive across all genres. Gerard McMurray and Jonathan Majors are extremely talented individuals.”

True Threat stars Jonathan Majors in the lead role of “Vernon Threat.” The film follows Special Forces operative Threat, who sets out on a mission of justice after his teenage son is murdered by a Harlem gang known as The Apollo Kids. Infiltrating their stronghold, a 20-story housing project called The Carter, Threat battles his way to the top floor and through multiple bosses to confront their leader and his former mentor, Shallow. Combining pulse-pounding action with themes of fatherhood, loyalty, and community, True Threat promises to be a powerful, culturally resonant cinematic experience.

True Threat is one of several films in the pipeline from Southland Stories, as the studio ramps up efforts to champion underrepresented voices and dynamic storytelling. With the film scheduled to go into production late summer 2025, this marks a powerful debut for Southland Stories as they bring culturally resonant, high-impact stories to the big screen.. Stay tuned for more details to come! Congrats to the whole Southland Stories team and everyone attached to the project.