Teyana Taylor is positioning herself as a triple threat no longer bound by performer limits. With Golden Globe, Oscar, and Grammy nominations already under her belt, she's proving she has the creative vision to lead major film projects—and this star-studded cast proves Hollywood's top talent trusts her direction.
Insiders say Taylor spent months personally courting these heavy hitters. Leslie Odom Jr., fresh off awards recognition for 'One Night in Miami,' and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor don't sign onto untested projects easily. The fact that both said yes speaks volumes about the script—and Teyana's pitch.
Teyana Taylor is a Golden Globe winner with Oscar AND Grammy nominations (per Variety, September 3, 2026). Leslie Odom Jr. is a Tony winner and Oscar nominee known for 'Hamilton' and 'One Night in Miami.' The film also stars Storm Reid and NFL rookie-turned-actor Ceyair Wright.
Teyana Taylor isn't playing it safe with her directorial debut—she's going straight for the jugular with A-list talent. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing's certain: she's not entering this industry as a rookie director. She's entering as Teyana Taylor.
Teyana Taylor is making a power move that nobody saw coming. The Golden Globe winner, Oscar nominee, and Grammy-recognized artist has officially locked in her feature directorial debut 'Get Lite,' and the casting announcements read like a who's-who of Hollywood's most sought-after talent. Variety confirmed exclusively on September 3, 2026, that Leslie Odom Jr. and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor have joined the project alongside previously announced stars Storm Reid and Ceyair Wright—the NFL rookie who made his acting debut in 'The Little Mermaid' live-action adaptation.
Taylor is pulling out every stop for her first time behind the camera on a feature film, assembling what looks to be a genuinely stacked ensemble. Leslie Odom Jr., best known for his Tony-winning turn as Aaron Burr in Broadway's 'Hamilton' and his Oscar-nominated performance in 'One Night in Miami,' brings serious awards pedigree to the table. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, equally decorated with her own Oscar nomination, rounds out a cast that already had Storm Reid—the young actress who's been quietly building one of the most impressive résumés in Hollywood—attached to star.
Ceyair Wright's presence adds an intriguing crossover element, as the former football player continues his transition from athlete to actor. The real question everyone's asking: what exactly is 'Get Lite' about? Details on the plot remain tightly under wraps, which only adds fuel to the fire of speculation.
Taylor has been building toward this moment for years—her artistic vision has always been apparent in her music videos and visual albums—but stepping into a feature film director's chair is an entirely different beast. The fact that A-list talent like Odom Jr. and Ellis-Taylor signed on without hesitation suggests either the script is exceptional or Taylor's reputation as a creative force precedes her by miles. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Taylor, who has spent years proving she's more than just a singer-dancer-actor.
With nominations across film, music, and television already in her career arsenal, 'Get Lite' represents the culmination of everything she's been building toward. Whether it lands as a triumph or stumbles out of the gate, one thing's for certain: Teyana Taylor isn't easing into this new chapter. She's bursting through the door with both barrels blazing.
