Zakiya Dalila Harris discussed the upcoming Hulu series adaptation of her novel, The Other Black Girl, in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter.
Harris’ debut novel, published in 2021 by Atria, follows Nella, the sole Black employee of a book publisher until a woman named Hazel is hired. Not long after Hazel gains popularity with her officemates, Nella begins receiving anonymous notes demanding that she quit her job. In a starred review, a critic for Kirkus called the novel “a biting social satire-cum-thriller; dark, playful, and brimming with life.”
The Hulu adaptation stars Sinclair Daniel as Nella and Ashleigh Murray as Hazel.
Harris discussed the casting process with the Hollywood Reporter, saying, “There were so many great auditions for Nella, but when I saw Sinclair, I was just so blown away because she was able to convey so much on her face. … When we met Ashleigh and heard about what the role meant to her, it was like, this is it. They have such a good chemistry together.”
Harris said that having actor Rashida Jones on board as an executive producer of the series was a key to it getting developed.
“I also know that behind the scenes, Rashida has been such a champion and a force for this project,” she said. “It’s really hard to make something when you’re an author and not established in the world of Hollywood. Having her has helped keep the momentum going.”
The Other Black Girl is set to premiere on Sept. 13.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
