Jay Z & Roc Nation Have Joined BBC’s ‘Noughts & Crosses’ Series

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is increasing its involvement with productions portraying inequality on the big screen. 

According to Variety, Roc Nation and Participant Media have joined the highly anticipated TV adaptation of Marjorie Blackman’s popular novel series, “Noughts & Crosses,” as executive producers. Roc Nation will also be in charge of the soundtrack, which is set in an alternate world where people of African descent rule  and white people suffer discrimination and prejudice.

Produced by Mammoth Screen, the series is premiering on BBC. Blackman has openly shared her excitement about the companies’  involvement. 

[Roc Nation and Participant] “bring an extra dimension to the production that I can’t wait to see – and hear,” she said.

The series is focused on two young people, Sephy and Callum, who are divided by their color but united against injustice. Sephy is a “Cross,” the black ruling class and daughter of a prominent politician. Callum is a “Nought,” white and second-class, his people were once slaves to the Crosses.

Creator of “Being Human,” Toby Whitehouse, is adapting Blackman’s work, with Julian Holmes of “Daredevil,” directing and Johann Knobel of “Shameless” producing. 

Patrick Reardon will produce for Roc Nation. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Mammoth Screen and Participant Media on this series, which explores issues of race and discrimination through such a provocative and unexpected lens,” Reardon commented. 

Jonathan King, president of narrative film and television for Participant Media shared, “When we saw ‘Noughts & Crosses,’ we were captivated immediately. Music and popular culture are huge parts of the fabric of the show, and we couldn’t be more excited that Roc Nation is joining the team.”

ITV Studios Global Entertainment will distribute the series. Lydia Adetunji (“Riviera”), Nathaniel Price (“Tin Star”), and Rachel De-Lahay (“Kiri”) will write episodes. Kibwe Tavares (“Jonah”) will be an executive producer, alongside Jeff Skoll and Miura Kite for Participant, Preethi Mavahalli for Mammoth, and Ben Irving for BBC. 

The fifth book in Blackman’s “Noughts & Crosses” series, “Crossfire,” will be published by Penguin Random House next summer.