NFL Star-Turned-Actor Nnamdi Asomugha Snags Lead Role Alongside Tessa Thompson in Jazz Drama, 'Sylvie'

Nnamdi Asomugha is certainly a silent move-maker in Hollywood. The spouse of Kerry Washington and former NFL defensive back is due to hit the big screen (again) alongside Tessa Thompson in a jazz era drama, Sylvie.

As The Hollywood Reporter describes the film:

Set in '50s and '60s New York City, the story follows Sylvie (Thompson) as she meets aspiring saxophonist Robert (Asomugha) when he takes a job at her father's record store in Harlem. After a summer romance that comes to an end, the two fatefully reconnect several years later and find that their feelings for each other have never disappeared.

Production on the project is underway in Los Angeles, as Sylvie will be produced under the Nigerian-American's production company, iAm21 Entertainment. Thompson is credited as the executive producer.

The film will be directed by Eugene Ashe, who also wrote the script. Declan Quinn of Rachel Getting Married and Leaving Las Vegas has been tapped as cinematographer.

For those unfamiliar with Asomugha's strides thus far in the film world, he produced and starred in Amazon's 2017 film Crown Heights—which also starred Lakeith Stanfield. The film was based on a podcast episode from This American Life that followed the story of Colin Warner, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and eventually was released due to his best friend Carl King dedicating his life to proving Warner's innocence.

You can also find Asomugha credited as the executive producer for documentary short Waiting for Hassana, as well as the executive producer of upcoming Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet, starring Cynthia Erivo.