Black Talent In Hollywood: What To Watch In June
- Miracle Winston Esin
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
June 2025 is shaping up to be a great month for Black-led stories on screen—whether you're into gripping thrillers, heartfelt animations, or Marvel-level tech genius, you’ll definitely be more than entertained with the line up of releases this month:
Straw (June 6, Netflix)
First off is Straw, with serious emotional depth, dropping June 6 on Netflix. Directed by Tyler Perry, the film stars Taraji P. Henson as a mother pushed to her edge in a tightly wound psychological thriller. She’s joined by a stellar Black ensemble including Teyana Taylor, Sherri Shepherd, and Rockmond Dunbar, making this one of Perry’s most intriguing casts yet. If you're into suspense with soul, you’ll want to watch this.
BMF Season 4 (June 6, Prime Video)
Next up is the fourth season of the fan favourite show, Black Mafia Family, popularly shortened to BMF. This is also set to release on the 6th of June 2025. The crime drama series continues the story of brothers Meech and Terry Flenory as they expand their empire from Detroit to Los Angeles. Starring Demetrius Flenory Jr. and Da'Vinchi, the new season delves into the challenges of LA's underworld.
Elio (June 20, Theaters)
For families (or anyone who enjoys a good cry in a dark theater), Pixar’s Elio hits cinemas on June 20. The heartwarming animated film follows an 11-year-old boy who’s mistaken for Earth’s ambassador by aliens. Elio is voiced by Yonas Kibreab, with Zoe Saldaña as his mom, delivering a performance that’s equal parts fierce and tender. Representation beams to the stars in this one—literally.
Ironheart (June 24, Disney+)
Marvel fans, don’t worry—we didn’t forget you. Ironheart lands on Disney+ June 24 and centers on Riri Williams, the tech prodigy who builds a suit to rival Iron Man’s. Dominique Thorne returns in the lead role, and the series promises a deeper dive into Riri’s personal journey as a Black teen genius navigating power and purpose.
Smoke (June 27, Apple TV+)
Premiering June 27 on Apple TV+. This gripping crime drama, created by Dennis Lehane, follows a troubled detective and an arson investigator as they track two serial fire-starters in the Pacific Northwest. Among the fire and tension, Black excellence smolders too, with Jurnee Smollett bringing heat as Detective Michelle Calderone, supported by strong performances from Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Adina Porter. Think True Detective, but make it smokier and smarter.
The Gilded Age – Season 3 (June 22, HBO Max)
HBO’s lush period drama The Gilded Age returns for a third season, and this time, we’re seeing more of Peggy Scott (played by the stellar Denée Benton). As the show dives deeper into her storyline as a writer navigating race, class, and ambition in 1880s New York, it continues to expand the scope of Black life during a time often erased from the mainstream period piece narrative.
Poker Face – Season 2
Peacock’s mystery-of-the-week series Poker Face is back with a bang. The season premiere features Cynthia Erivo in a tour-de-force performance, portraying multiple distinct roles entangled in a murder mystery. Her versatility and depth bring each character to life, making this episode a standout.
Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas (June 10, BET)
You know Tyler Perry wasn’t going to let June pass without giving us drama, tears, and chaos. Divorced Sistas, a new spinoff from the Sistas universe, follows four women navigating life after marriage—complete with Perry’s signature mix of melodrama and soul-searching. It stars KJ Smith and Mignon Von, so expect some familiar faces and fresh starts.
Why These Films Matter
These June releases highlight the depth and range of Black talent on screen today. Whether it’s through a Marvel heroine blazing her own path, a gripping crime series, or a heartfelt animated tale, these stories reflect the richness of Black artistry in Hollywood. It’s not just about representation—it’s about complex, compelling characters brought to life by standout performances. June 2025 is giving us plenty of reasons to press play, hit the theater, and celebrate stories where Black actors shine.
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