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Mara Brock Akil says she needs this budget to do a ‘Girlfriends’ movie
Taylor ArdreyUSA TODAY
Updated July 9, 2026, 4:47 p.m. ET
Television producer Mara Brock Akil is opening up about the opportunity to reimagine her iconic sitcom “Girlfriends,” but she would only do it for the right price and proper celebration
In an interview with “The Breakfast Club” posted on Thursday, July 9, Akil spoke about wanting to do a theatrical release with a $50 million budget
“I want to do it. The cast wants to do it, but I believe there is a value on this. And I also know what $50 million will turn over is insane,” Akil, also known for shows like “The Game” and “Being Mary Jane,” explained
“If I can’t do it the way that I think it deserves, why am I doing it?”
Akil expressed similar sentiments on the “Question Everything Podcast” posted July 2. “Girlfriends,” which first aired in 2000, starred Tracee Ellis Ross, Persia White, Golden Brooks and Jill Marie Jones and followed their characters as they navigated friendship, love and life’s obstacles. The TV show had eight seasons, concluding in 2008. Since then, fans have been asking for the cast to reunite and revitalize the cult classic
“I haven’t come up with, yet, a story I’m excited to tell at a different budget,” she continued on “The Breakfast Club.” “Because guess what that is? More energy.”
Akil wants fans to have the full ‘Girlfriends’ experience
Akil has recently made headlines for her hit teen drama “Forever” on Netflix and the release of her debut book, “The Revelation of Dionne Daphne.”
The acclaimed writer told “The Breakfast Club” that she wants to hit certain markers to get people in theaters to see the “Girlfriends” film and give fans an entire experience
“I need $50 million to get people out of the house. I don’t want you to watch it on a streamer,” she said. “I want to see Joan outfits. I want to see Toni outfits. I want to see Maya outfits. I want to see Lynn outfits. I want to see William suits. I want to see people come out and celebrate something that we’ve been loving for 25 years.”
Host Charlamagne Tha God asked Akil if she would be comfortable without giving the show closure: “Yup…because Mara Brock Akil gave it all,” she said
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com
