Former Memphis high school basketball star Jarnell Stokes producing film starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Jarnell Stokes may not be playing basketball right now, but he hasn't stopped shooting.
The former Memphis high school star who was drafted 35th overall and started his NBA career with the Grizzlies, has found a home in film. Stokes, 30, is planning to shoot his first screenplay in Memphis next month, and he's already made a name for himself on the Hollywood scene.
"When Jarnell and I first met, I didn't expect much because a lot of times athletes are just trying to put money somewhere," producer Rob Goodrich said in a phone interview with The Commercial Appeal. "I get it, but for Jarnell, he's so insightful."
The film, titled "Break the Cycle," follows two brothers taking different paths in Memphis with one pursuing a basketball career and the other entrenched in street crime. Goodrich and Jason Armstrong will help produce the film. Henry Penzi is the executive producer.
Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. headlines the cast, which includes Vivica A. Fox, Loretta Devine, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Vernon Davis.
"When you have some of the best actors in history, it's just confirmation," Stokes said in a phone interview with The Commercial Appeal.
If you would have told Stokes 10 years ago that he would be producing his fourth film and writing his first with a storyline based in Memphis, he wouldn't have believed you. But a lot change during the COVID pandemic in 2020.
That was when Stokes' Chinese Basketball Association career came to an abrupt end. The downtime led to Stokes getting involved with film writing and production. He then connected with Goodrich and others in the film industry.
"Surprisingly, my entertainment career has been a little bit easier than expected, only because we have been able to land deals with great companies," said Stokes, who played at Southwind High School and became a five-star prospect and signed with Tennessee. "I've been able to find other investors to presell the films in the past."
Inside the film
"Break the Cycle" has been in the works since early in the pandemic. As the title indicates, the idea behind the film is to show the circumstances that Stokes believes "99%" of Memphis basketball players he grew up around dealt with.
The two brothers in the film, Jay and Eddie, are raised by their grandmothers. Jay has dreams of making it to the NBA, while Eddie casts a shadow over his future.
"Life somewhat called me to write this," Stokes said. "This is somewhat of a life story from people that I know from Memphis, and that's why it hits home. I always wanted to make a project that fits near and dear to the culture and heartbeat of Memphis."
The plan is for production to be finished by the end of March. Once that's done, Goodrich estimates the film could be available to distributors in July. Distributors will then determine when the film can be released to the public.
Why in Memphis?
The goal is to shoot part of the production at Southwind and the entire film in 15 days.
Doing production in Memphis is about leaving an impact. Along with the messaging from the film, the production staff has goals of getting people in Memphis involved through creating jobs, working on the film and set visits.
"Our goal is to be involved and integrate as much of the community as we can with this film," Goodrich said. "We're really trying to emphasize the community aspect of making this film. That's going to be a big part of it."
Basketball and future
Stokes is wearing a lot of hats in his everyday life. He wants to enter politics down the road, and he's currently in school while running a production company, training for a career in broadcasting and staying in basketball shape.
That's right. Stokes has not closed the door on his professional basketball career.
"I truly feel like I can go out and play if that option is still open," Stokes said.
But right now, the focus is the film, with which he's aiming to reach kids by showcasing a relatable story. Stokes said he has more written work that he aims to produce.
He hopes this is just the start.
"I now know what's needed to make a box office, blockbuster, worldly renowned film," Stokes said.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Former Memphis high school basketball star plans to shoot film in city
