For years,Snowfallhas kept audiences at the edge of their seats while watching Franklin Saint’s (Damson Idris) skillful navigation of the crack epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles. From local dope dealer to crack cocaine kingpin who’s in bed with the CIA,Snowfallshowcases an underbelly of American culture that forever changed the Black community. And though the series ishastily approaching its climatic endgame, audiences can soon expect a continuation of the universe that the lateJohn Singletoncreated. PerDeadline,aSnowfallspin-off is currently in the works withGail Beanrumored to reprise her role as Wanda.
The exclusive mentions that theSnowfallspin-off is currently in the early developmental stages at FX. As a fan favorite and most-improved character within theSnowfalluniverse, Wanda is an excellent choice to serve as the connective link between the two series. As it stands, no other character reprisals from the original series have been confirmed or mentioned for the upcomingSnowfall-universe expansion.
The project is planned to be a continuation of the events fromSnowfalland will be set in 1990s Los Angeles. Against the backdrop of South Central, the series plans to showcase the community’s shift away from the crack era into a neighborhood transformed by the onset of the gangsta rap business and heavily influenced by the ever-expanding presence of the infamous street gangs, Bloods and Crips. The series has the potential to explore a real-life transition that occurred during this time within the Black community where the crack era was eventually overtaken by a new epidemic, gang culture. According to sources, audiences can expect new main characters with Wanda serving as the nexus betweenSnowfalland its successor.
Newcomer to theSnowfalluniverse Malcolm Spellman (Empire) has been brought on board to pen the pilot and will additionally serve as executive producer. Returning EPs include Dave Andron, who isSnowfall’sco-creator and showrunner, Trevor Engelson, Michael London, Tommy Schlamme, and Julie DeJoie. The upcoming spinoff is also giving credit toSnowfall’sother two co-creators Singleton (posthumously) and Eric Amadio as well as its producer Evan Silverberg.
Related:Snowfall’s Concluding Season Pays Homage and Retains the Spirit of the Series Co-Creator John Singleton
Gail Bean Feels Like Wanda’s Journey Showcases Life’s Many Seasons
Snowfallis suffused with dynamic and complex characters who have all grown tremendously since the show’s beginning in 2017. Each character was ultimately transformed — for better or worse — by the raging crack epidemic that pervaded 1980s Los Angeles. ThoughGail Bean’scharacter, Wanda Bell, started out in a recurring role as Leon Simmons’ love interest, her layered developmental arc throughout the seasons is one that casts a reflection on everyday individuals who battle substance abuse and the demons of their pasts daily. Additionally, it also speaks to life’s oscillations between rock-bottom moments and periods of highs.
In the final season, Bean adeptly portrays Wanda’s healing journey as a survivor of the crack epidemic who is attempting to move forward despite others reminding her of her past actions. However, it’s her perseverance and path towards self-love and acceptance that has deeply resonated with audiences and cemented Wanda as an integral character withinSnowfall. In a recent Shadow and Actinterview, Bean expressed her sentiments about portraying a character with a turbulent journey and how Wanda’s arc mirrors life’s many phases.
“Playing Wanda is actually very invigorating because her arc is so beautiful that it allows others to see range and variety in me. I was telling someone before that Wanda is the comedic relief in the show and she also has heavy parts and sobering parts. She’s [battling] addiction and she’s also the love interest and the character next door. There are so many roles in one with Wanda. So I don’t feel in any way, shape, or form that this is a role that would typecast me. If anything, this role creates longevity in my career. So I’m just very grateful for that. It is a challenging role in the sense that you go through so many phases in life, but I welcome it.”
Audiences can catch up onSnowfallon Hulu with new episodes premiering weekly on Wednesdays until the series’ epic conclusion on April 19th.
