In their biggest UK deal ever, Netflix has bought the worldwide rights to Been So Long, the musical from Chewing Gum star Michaela Coel.

UK industry publication ScreenDaily reported the news and says it is a multi-million dollar deal. They say Netflix got the film after seeing footage of it at Cannes.

The musical is based on the critically acclaimed stage production by Ché Walker and Arthur Darvill that premiered at The Young Vic.

The BAFTA-winning actress and star of the hit Channel 4 (UK) comedy Chewing Gum leads the cast of BAFTA-winning director Tinge Krishnan’s feature, which also stars Arinze Kene.

"Been So Long" (Photo: Film4) — “Been So Long” (Photo: Film4)

Official synopsis reads: Romance, rage and revenge. Been So Long is a neon soaked, modern day romance set on the streets of London’s musical hot-bed of Camden. We follow Simone (Michaela Coel), a dedicated single mother who, on a rare night on the town is charmed by a handsome yet troubled stranger, igniting old and new feelings. Set against the backdrop of an ever-changing city, “Been So Long” is a fresh take on love, life and moving on.

Joining Coel and Kene as the seductive Raymond are BAFTA EE Rising Star nominee George Mackay who plays broken-hearted fantasist Gil; and Ronke Adekoluejo, who completes the quartet of unwitting star-crossed lovers, as Simone’s gutsy, happy-go-lucky best friend Yvonne.

The all-singing, all-dancing cast also includes Ashley Thomas, Joe Dempsie, Luke Norris, Rakie Ayola and introducing Mya Lewis.

Principal photography kicked off in March on the modern day love story set on the streets of Camden, filming across London. The soundtrack will be a diverse mix of RnB, Nu Soul, UK dance and cinematic orchestration, featuring music from up and coming guest producers.

The project has been developed for the screen by BAFTA-nominated producers Nadine Marsh-Edwards and Amanda Jenks, who together run Greenacre Films.

Been So Long is backed by the British Film Institute (BFI) and Film4, with executive producers Lizzie Francke, Eva Yates, Jane Wright and Indira Guha.

Arinze Kene

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week