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Watch: Netflix releases trailer for 'Forever'

By Sophia Soto | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 6:49 PM ET

Netflix has shared the official trailer and key art for Mara Brock Akil's Forever, a modern reimagining of Judy Blume's groundbreaking 1975 novel.

It’s an epic 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.

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've always credited Judy Blume as part of the seasoning of my voice as a writer," Akil expressed to TUDUM. "She was one of the first writers I read that dared to be honest about the human condition in young people and you can see traces of her writing style within my own. I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, Forever."

Blume says she is "thrilled that Mara has chosen to tell this story through her own lens," adding, "It is gratifying to know that, 50 years after its release, the love story at the core of Forever is still resonating with audiences."

However, the executive producer/showrunner revealed that at first, the author was not sure it could translate in this modern era due to "how exposed young people are to sexuality and the topic of love." But that did not deter her: "I got to talk to Judy, told her my perspective, and we resonated."

Regina King not only executive produces the new series but also directs the first episode. "Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice," she shared.

Forever premieres on May 8, only on Netflix.

Sophia Soto

Sophia Soto is a writer and interviewer with a passion for all things entertainment. She is a Senior Reporter at The Nerds of Color and contributes to Yardbarker, Screensphere, Den of Geek, What to Watch, Nerdtropolis, and Temple of Geek. You can see her past work on Remezcla, Young Hollywood, Looper, Paste Magazine, Primetimer, Soundsphere, and Starry Constellation Magazine

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