In the bingeable, eight-episode series, starring Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone as two young adults in 2018 Los Angeles, Forever explores themes of sex, sexuality, social media, family and having the courage to follow your dreams.
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This time, in Brock Akil’s updated version, Katherine (now named Keisha Clark) has already lost her virginity and is dealing with another teenage crisis, which (spoiler alert!) involves a sex tape. And Michael (now named Justin Edwards) is actually holding off on sex until the timing is right and is dealing with how he’s perceived as a young Black man exploring his feelings. According to Brock Akil, Keisha mirrors Blume's male character, and vice versa.
Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark in 'Forever.'Courtesy of Netflix
In Netflix’s Forever, the character of Justin (played by Cooper Jr.) is just trying to navigate his way through high school and figure out the best path forward. After meeting Keisha at a New Year’s Eve party, he wants to pursue a relationship but is sidelined by his parents, his grades and basketball. He’s also figuring out what exactly he wants to do when he grows up, even if that means disappointing his parents.
As for Keisha (played by Lovie Simone), “I wanted to make room for the smart girl,” says Brock Akil. She created Keisha to be at the top of her class, yet she faced the same teenage issues as her peers. “The smart girl can make mistakes.”
Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards in 'Forever.'ELIZABETH MORRIS/Netflix
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What remains the same between the novel and the new Netflix series is that teenagers will continue to be teenagers. They will make mistakes, fall in love, explore their sexuality and dream of a big, bright future.
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