Mara Brock Akil's Forever Redefines Black Masculinity

Buzz Feed

12-05-2025

Okay, let me start by saying you have another hit on your hands. I devoured this series!
I instantly fell in love with Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards. Can you tell us a little bit about the audition process and how you found your Keisha and Justin?
Yes, I was so excited when I saw her name in the credits. What was it like reuniting with Regina King on set, after previously working together when she directed a few episodes of Being Mary Jane?
Beautifully stated. When you talk about actors with range, and I don't just mean on-screen, Regina is at the top of my list. What was that conversation like before she officially signed on to direct?
You have played a pivotal role in bringing impassioned projects about Black women, love, and friendship to the small screen. The storylines are relatable, and even when they don't have a personal connection, they're effective. You typically explore the lives of adult Black women, but this time you're focus is teenage love. Tell me about that experience and any inspiration you found along the way.
Speaking of the times, within the last decade or two, technology has really transformed the way we communicate with each other and what it means to connect, particularly with younger generations. Sometimes, the lines of what information should be shared online can get blurred. Phones and social media played a big part in the series. Why did you find it important to incorporate technology as an extra character in the show?
Earlier, you mentioned your eldest son being your muse and chatting with Regina about your boys to help shape the vision you had for Forever. Typically, the romance genre is centered around the woman's point of view. Even romance-focused movies and books are deemed chick-flicks and chick-lit. The male perspective is rarely at the center. With Forever, we get the dual point of view from Keisha and Justin, but I feel like Justin's perspective was the main focus here. It was refreshing to see a neurodivergent Black boy openly and honestly express his feelings with his family, friends, and love interest, without being shamed. Nowadays, terms like "simp" are thrown around, which I think discourages men from being vulnerable, but Justin wasn't afraid of that. Why did you decide to go that route with Justin?
I really hope so. I loved how Justin didn't allow outside influences to dictate his personality. Even when his best friend tried to deter him from getting serious with Keisha, Justin continued to follow his heart instead. I felt really proud of him in a way.
Lastly, people have become more and more vocal online when it comes to fictional characters who are, or who fans believe to be white, being "swapped" with Black actors. Did you have any hesitation about getting behind this project because of that specific type of backlash?
It was such an honor and pleasure to chat with Mara about Forever, because that's just how long I think this show is going to sit in my heart and mind.