Insecure actress and producer Natasha Rothwell has signed a multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature, according to Deadline. Under the new deal, Rothwell’s Big Hattie Productions will develop projects with Disney General Entertainment’s BIPOC Creator Initiative, which is under the leadership of Freeform president Tara Duncan.
“Natasha is the real deal triple threat. I’ve been a fan of her writing for years and have loved watching her career blossom in front of and behind the camera,” said Duncan in a statement with Deadline. “It’s an honor to provide a platform for one of the best comedic talents in the business.” The three-year deal is reportedly eight figures and Rothwell is “beyond grateful” for her next chapter.
The comedian says, “It was important to me to find a studio partner that would not only honor my vision and my voice as a storyteller, but also one that shared my hunger for stories that broaden the limited scope with which BIPOCs have traditionally been viewed — stories where our humanity isn’t a plot point or up for debate but it’s understood, celebrated and explored in new and interesting ways.” She continues, “That’s why I’m so thrilled to be partnering with ABC Signature, and to have the opportunity to tell thoughtful, nuanced stories that center marginalized voices — stories that dare to subvert expectations all under the banner of Big Hattie Productions. Y’all better buckle up.” We are definitely strapping on our seat belts for this ride to the top!
Before that, Rothwell wrote for Saturday Night Live and wrote and starred in the original sketch series Netflix Presents: The Characters. On Rothwell’s impressive list of accomplishments, the actress is best known for her portrayal of “Kelli” on Issa Rae’s HBO hit Insecure. The series regular has two NAACP Image Award nominations under her belt for her performance in the show. The actress also has written for Saturday Night Live in the 2014-2015 season and starred in Love, Simon, Like a Boss and Wonder Woman 1984. Although fans are dreading the final goodbye to Rothwell’s character in the fifth and final season of Insecure, the rising star is here to stay. In addition to her brand new deal, Rothwell is developing and executive producing a coming-of-age series for HBO.
