Hair Love II: A New Chapter – A Celebration of Family, Heritage, and Natural Hair
The highly anticipated sequel to the Academy Award-winning short film Hair Love is finally here! Hair Love II: A New Chapter continues the heartwarming story of Zuri and her family, exploring themes of love, resilience, and the beauty of embracing natural hair. Directed by a powerhouse team and featuring an incredible cast and crew, this film promises to deliver the same emotional depth and joy that made the original so beloved.
A Stellar Team of Directors and Producers
The creative vision behind Hair Love II is led by an exceptional trio of directors: Matthew A. Cherry, the original creator of Hair Love and executive producer of BlacKkKlansman; Everett Downing Jr., an animator known for his work on Up; and Bruce W. Smith, the creator of The Proud Family and animator for The Princess and the Frog. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to the project, ensuring that the sequel lives up to the legacy of the original.
The film is produced by Karen Rupert Toliver, Stacey Newton, Monica A. Young, Matthew A. Cherry, David Steward II, and Carl Reed. Karen Rupert Toliver, who also produced the original Hair Love, continues to champion stories that celebrate diversity and representation. The production team is further bolstered by executive producers Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and Frank Abney (animator for Toy Story 4), whose expertise in animation and storytelling adds depth to the project.
A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The sequel features Issa Rae (Insecure) as Zuri’s mother, bringing her signature warmth and charisma to the role. The film also introduces new characters, including Zuri’s baby sibling, as the story expands to explore the growth of their family. The cast is supported by co-executive producers Jordan Peele, Andrew Hawkins, Harrison Barnes, and Yara and Keri Shahidi, who bring their creative insights and passion for storytelling to the project.
Associate producers include N’Dambi Gillespie, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Dwayne Wade Jr., Gabourey Sidibe, Stephanie Fredric, and Claude Kelly. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit of the film, which draws on a diverse range of voices to create a story that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
A Musical Masterpiece
The music for Hair Love II is composed by Paul Mounsey and Daniel D. Crawford, with additional contributions from Taylor Graves. The score blends soulful melodies with uplifting rhythms, perfectly capturing the emotional highs and lows of the story. Music has always been a vital part of the Hair Love experience, and the sequel continues this tradition with a soundtrack that celebrates culture, family, and self-expression.
A Groundbreaking Production Journey
Hair Love II: A New Chapter is a collaboration between Sony Pictures Animation, Lion Forge Animation, Chasing Miles, and Matthew A. Cherry Entertainment. The project’s roots trace back to a Kickstarter campaign launched in 2017, which initially aimed to raise $75,000. Thanks to overwhelming support, the campaign raised nearly $300,000, making it the most highly-funded short film campaign in Kickstarter history. This incredible achievement highlights the passion and enthusiasm of fans who believe in the importance of representation in media.
The original Hair Love short film not only won an Academy Award but also inspired a bestselling picture book released by Kokila Books/Penguin Random House in 2019. The book became a New York Times Bestseller, further cementing the story’s place in popular culture.
A Story of Love, Resilience, and Growth
Hair Love II: A New Chapter picks up where the original left off, following Zuri as she grows into a confident pre-teen. The film explores her evolving relationship with her father, Stephen, as they navigate new challenges and celebrate their heritage. Zuri’s mother, now fully recovered, plays a central role in the story, and the addition of a new baby sibling symbolizes the growth and evolution of their family.
The film’s themes of self-expression, family, and the beauty of natural hair are brought to life through stunning animation, heartfelt storytelling, and a vibrant color palette. It’s a celebration of love and resilience that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Coming to Theaters Summer 2025
Hair Love II: A New Chapter is set to hit theaters in Summer 2025. With its talented team of directors, producers, and cast, the film promises to be a cinematic event that continues the legacy of the original while charting new territory. Don’t miss this heartfelt and empowering story that reminds us all of the beauty in every strand of hair and every chapter of life.
