The new Epix crime boss series, "Godfather of Harlem," has been shooting all over New York City this fall, but it's especially gratifying to see the production come to Harlem.
Earlier today the show's crew took over a number of blocks in Sugar Hill, using both the surrounding historic streets and the interior of an elaborate brownstone to shoot scenes for the upcoming cable series.
The ten-episode drama tells the true story of gangster Bumpy Johnson (played by Forest Whitaker), who returns to Harlem after a decade in prison only to find the neighborhood ruled by the Genovese crime family.
With the help of activist Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch), he starts a mob war to take back Harlem's streets. Vincent D’Onofrio also stars as Vincent Gigante and Giancarlo Esposito as politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (perfect casting!).
A white Rolls-Royce from the early 1960s was gently rolled onto St. Nicholas Place between 152nd and 153rd Streets this morning, although it wasn't clear whose it was supposed to be (Bumpy's?). Other striking vintage cars–slightly less luxurious than the Rolls–lined the other side of the street.
Members of the TV crew were also seen going in and out of a historic brownstone on St. Nicholas Avenue between 152nd and 153rd Street. Will it turn out to be Bumpy's house?
All will be revealed when the first season premieres sometime in 2019.
