Regina King to Direct Bitter Root Movie Adaptation Set in the Harlem Renaissance

Regina King, the Oscar-winning actress and director of One Night in Miami, is set to direct and produce the highly anticipated Bitter Root movie adaptation. Based on the Image Comics series created by David F. Walker, Sanford Greene, and Chuck Brown, the film combines horror, family drama, and history in a story set during the Harlem Renaissance of 1924.

A Harlem Renaissance Horror Story

Bitter Root follows the surviving members of the Sangerye family, once-legendary monster hunters now fractured by grief and philosophical differences. They battle supernatural creatures infected by a malevolent force that thrives on the racism and hatred of the time. This infection transforms humans into monsters, forcing the Sangeryes to choose: destroy or cure.

As evil descends on New York City, this once-great family must heal old wounds to unite and stop a growing threat. The film explores themes of prejudice, generational trauma, and redemption through a horror lens grounded in Black history and folklore.

Regina King’s Impact Behind the Camera

King’s directorial debut, One Night in Miami, earned critical acclaim and a Directors Guild nomination. As an actress, she’s known for her award-winning performances in If Beale Street Could Talk and Watchmen. Now with Regina King directing Bitter Root, expectations are high for a powerful and culturally resonant horror film.

This project reunites King with Proximity Media, founded by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian. Her production company, Royal Ties, is co-producing. Executive producers include Sean Owolo, along with creators Walker, Greene, and Brown. Writer Bryan Edward Hill is currently revising the script.

What Makes Bitter Root Unique

What sets Bitter Root apart is its combination of supernatural horror with real-world social commentary. The Harlem Renaissance setting adds a vibrant, historically rich backdrop, rarely seen in genre films. The story doesn’t just pit heroes against monsters—it questions the origins of those monsters and the systems that allow hate to fester.

This film is shaping up to be a standout in the growing field of Black-led genre cinema, joining the ranks of Get Out, Lovecraft Country, and His House. With Regina King’s leadership, it promises to be both terrifying and deeply meaningful.

Source: BlackFilmAndTV.com – Regina King to Direct Bitter Root