To this day, there are film fans that still reference “American History X,” especially as we watch Black Lives Matter protests and the apparent rise of extreme, racist groups in the US. And though there are some definite problematic issues with Tony Kaye’s late-‘90s drama, the message is all too timely, even more than two decades after its release. So now would seem like the perfect time for a follow-up film, and it appears that’s exactly what Kaye is working on.
According to Deadline, Tony Kaye is developing “African History Y,” and he’s landed Djimon Hounsou to star. The film is co-written by Kaye alongside Charles Chanchori and Jason Corder. Though the exact details of the plot are being held back, for now, the film is described as “a story of tragedy and redemption.”
“Djimon and I met just after I did ‘American History X,’” said Kaye. “It was a cathartic meeting, and I knew immediately that he was an actor that I had to work with. The material had to be right, and thank God, now we have a project to work together on. The color cameras inside my head are ready to go to work in Africa.”
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Hounsou added, “‘African History Y’ could not have come at a better time as I explore bringing more extraordinary African stories to the world. I’m excited to be working with Tony, and it’s somewhat pre-ordained that he and I have come full circle to work with each other.”
Upon its release back in 1998, “American History X” was a big hit for Kaye as a filmmaker. His debut feature was critically acclaimed and even earned star Edward Norton an Oscar nomination for her performance as a neo-Nazi that ultimately reforms and tries to save his younger brother from a similar path.
However, since Kaye released “American History X,” he has not been as prolific as a feature filmmaker. Over the 22 years, he’s only released a few features, with his most recent being the 2011 film, “Detachment.” Clearly, “African History Y” will be his most high-profile release since his debut.
It’s still too early to know when “African History Y” will be released.
