EXCLUSIVE: BET has set the cast for Rebel, its two-hour police-drama pilot from filmmaker John Singleton. Stage actress Danielle Moné Truitt is set as the lead, Oakland cop Rebecca “Rebel” Knight, and Breaking Bad alum Giancarlo Esposito will play her lieutenant, who’s a friend and mentor. Mykelti Williamson, Cliff “Method Man” Smith and Brandon Quinn co-star.
The show examines the unique and conflicted relationship officers of color have with their jobs at a time when police forces are rife with brutality and misconduct. Officer Cole has excelled by playing by the rules but always has known that she must be better and smarter on the job because she is both black and female. After her brother is killed by police, Rebel soon becomes disillusioned with the system and is forced to take matters into her own hands and become a private investigator and a champion for her community. Caught between family loyalty and the fraternity in blue, Rebel’s actions set in motion a cause-and-effect crisis that can’t be undone.
Williamson will play Rebel’s father Rene Knight, a strong but broken man. Although he loves his daughter dearly, he blames her for the death of her brother, Malik. Smith is TJ, Rebel’s ex-husband. They share a history in the military that bonds them for life. Although he’s moved on, there is still a lot of passion between them, and he can’t seem to stay away. Quinn will portray Rebel’s partner Thompson “Mack” McIntyre, whose decision to shoot at Rebel’s brother places him squarely between her career and her family.
Rebel is produced by MarVista Entertainment for BET and co-written, executive produced and directed by Singleton. Dallas Jackson also is an EP. Production on the two-hour pilot began this week in Los Angeles.
Truitt, whose TV credits include Mulaney and Super Fun Night, is repped by Coast to Coast Talent and CMA Entertainment. Esposito (Once Upon a Time, The Get Down) is with ICM Partners, Thruline Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman. Williamson (Underground, Justified) is repped by Paradigm, Frontline Management and Myman Greenspan. Smith (Keanu, Method & Red) is with CAA, Shauna Garr and Frankfurt Kurnit. Quinn (The Fosters, Grimm) is repped by Pakula King & Associates, Gartner Green Entertainment and Stone Genow.
