Forever Trailer and Key Art Reveal the Judy Blume Adaptation

Today, Netflix released the official trailer and key art for Forever, which is a modern reimagining of Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 novel.

Premiering on May 8, Forever is a love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.

Mara Brock Akil is the creator, writer, and showrunner of the series, which is executive produced by Akil, Blume, Susie Fitzgerald, Erika Harrison, Sara White, Regina King, Reina King, Shana C. Waterman, and Anthony Hemingway.

The cast includes Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin Winans III, Niles Fitch, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Adriyan Rae, Paigion Walker, Xavier Mills, E’myri Crutchfield, and Yusef Thomas.

“I’m thrilled that Mara has chosen to tell this story through her own lens,” said Judy Blume. “It is gratifying to know that, 50 years after its release, the love story at the core of Forever is still resonating with audiences.”

You can learn more about the cast of the Netflix series and their characters below:

Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) – A beautiful young man who wobbles through the world on one foot of confidence and another of insecurity, Justin is a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. The overprotected, privileged firstborn of two successful parents, he carries the weight of their expectations — especially his mother’s deep-seated fears for him as a teenage Black boy in America.

Justin dreams of playing Division I basketball and making a name for himself beyond his parents’ legacy. When he reconnects with Keisha, she pushes him to see beyond the path he’s always followed, prompting him to question who he really wants to become.

Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) – Keisha is a Black girl who has only recently grown into her beauty — she’s confident and ambitious, yet stubborn enough to mask her vulnerabilities behind humor and flirtation.

A track star with big dreams beyond high school, she refuses to let anything hold her back, especially her own mistakes. When she reconnects with Justin for the first time since childhood, they push one another toward their most authentic selves.

Dawn Edwards (Karen Pittman) – A top executive out in the world, Dawn carries herself with an effortless elegance that contrasts sharply with the deep paranoia that fuels her parenting. A loving but firm mother, she has worked tirelessly to shield Justin from the dangers that come with being a young Black man in America.

Her high standards stem from love, but they can be suffocating, often leaving Justin little room to balance who he is with who she wants him to be.

Eric Edwards (Wood Harris) – A self-made restaurateur with a high school diploma and a degree from the university of life, Eric is the more lenient of Justin’s parents, often playing the role of referee between his wife and son. He understands the immense pressure Justin feels to succeed, but he also knows that life isn’t just about achievement — it’s about making choices you can live with.

Jaden Edwards (Marvin Winans III) – Justin’s brother, Jaden idolizes and antagonizes his older sibling. Whether he’s getting on Justin’s nerves or offering unexpected wisdom, Jaden just wants to be close to his big brother.

Shelly (Xosha Roquemore) – Keisha’s mother, Shelly, is no stranger to hard work or life’s
challenges. She’s the kind of woman who makes the best out of everything she has. Tough and pragmatic, she’s spent her life making sacrifices for Keisha, hoping her daughter’s dreams will take her further than she ever got to go.

Chloe (Ali Gallo) – Confident, outgoing, and sometimes lost within her own bubble of privilege, Chloe is Keisha’s best friend and biggest cheerleader. Chloe always has Keisha’s back — sometimes in ways she doesn’t expect.

Darius (Niles Fitch) – Athletic, charming, and focused on girls, Darius is Justin’s assertive best friend and loves to offer what he thinks is sage advice to his more tentative and less confident buddy. Though his tenor sometimes echoes toxic culture, he’s ultimately loyal and always pushing Justin to step outside his comfort zone.

George (Barry Shabaka Henley) – Keisha’s wise, laid-back grandfather George is her protector and her surrogate father. He takes an active interest in her life and is always ready with a joke or a life lesson, but he is never one to sugarcoat the truth.

Tiffany (Paigion Walker) – Beautiful and stylish, Keisha’s older cousin Tiffany is a close confidant who has been like a sister to Keisha her whole life. A young mother, she balances the demands of family and entrepreneurship and is always a source of joy.

Brittany (Adriyan Rae) – When you see Tiffany, you’ll always see her sister Brittany right there with her. She’s a stunning fashionista, always looking for a come-up. An honest social climber, Brittany looks out for her younger cousin Keisha’s well-being — even if she usually does it with a blunt attitude.

Tammy (Emyri Crutchfield) – Keisha’s fiercest rival on the track team is cute, confident, and every bit as determined as Keisha. They bump heads over number one spots, boys, and the cutest hairstyles.

Christian (Xavier Mills) – With his athletic build, effortless charm, and upperclassman status, Christian is the guy everyone wants to be around — and he knows it. Nicknamed “Come-Up Christian,” he’s a surefire Division I recruit with an NBA future on the horizon. As Keisha’s ex from her previous school, he represents everything Justin fears he can’t compete with.

But for all his talent and charisma, Christian is blind to the ways he’s hurt people — especially Keisha. When he tries to win her back, he’s forced to reckon with the fact that charm and talent aren’t always enough.