TV SCOOP: T.I. & Mekhi Phifer Join The Cast Of A+E Network's 'Roots' Remake

T.I. and Mekhi Phifer join Roots cast — Photo: Getty | FilmMagic

T.I. And Mekhi Phifer Joins Cast Of “Roots” Remake

A+E Networks is rounding out the cast of their “Roots” revival miniseries with the addition of rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris and Mekhi Phifer.

Here’s the scoop via Variety:

T.I. will appear in the final part of the four installments of the revival miniseries, playing Cyrus, a headstrong slave who fights for his freedom for the Union Army against Confederate Forces. His character will be featured prominently in the finale episode.

Phifer will play Jerusalem, a mute slave who works on the Murray plantation, but who is not quite what he appears to be; Purefoy has been cast as John Waller, the wealthy owner of a Virginia planation who buys Kunta Kinte as a slave upon his arrival in America; Goode will play Purefoy’s character’s charming and well-educated brother, Dr. William Waller; while Hennelius will play his daughter, Missy; Garrison will play Frederick Murray, a volatile, unpredictable Confederate officer and slave owner; and Corinealdi will play Belle, the wife of Kunta Kinte (played by the previously announced newcomer Malachi Kirby).

The additions join a cast that includes star Laurence Fishburne, Forest Whitaker, Anna Paquin, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anika Noni Rose, Chad L. Coleman, Erica Tazel, Derek Luke, Regé-Jean Page and Kirby.

The eight-hour, four night reboot based on the 1977 “Roots” miniseries, will simulcast on A&E, History, and Lifetime when it premieres in 2016.

T.I. and Mekhi Phifer recently worked together on season 3 of Showtime’s hit series, “House of Lies.”

Scoop