'The First Lady' Series Casts Lexi Underwood and Saniyya Sidney As Malia and Sasha Obama
The show will spotlight the lives of the White House’s former First Ladies.
UPDATE (April 16, 2021): Showtime’s upcoming anthology series The First Lady has officially announced who will be taking on the roles of Malia and Sasha Obama. Lexi Underwood will be playing Malia and rising star Saniyya Sidney will take the part of Sasha. The two will be starring alongside Viola Davis as Michelle Obama and O-T Fagbenle as Barack Obama.
Sidney took to Instagram to make the announcement: “This first family is my source of inspiration. I am in divine gratitude to now be a part of their magnificent story. To portray you, Sasha Obama, makes my heart sing.” Underwood commented on the post saying: “Congratulations!! I couldn’t be happier to have you as my sister.”
For those who aren’t familiar, Underwood’s credits include Raven’s Home and Little Fires Everywhere, while Sidney has starred in American Horror Story, Fences and Hidden Figures.
Stay tuned while we wait for more details about the show’s release date.
ORIGINAL STORY (February 26, 2021): Written and produced by Aaron Cooley, The First Lady is an upcoming anthology series that will explore the personal and political lives of the White House’s former First Ladies. Set to premiere on Showtime, the first season will spotlight Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson), Betty Ford (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Michelle Obama (Viola Davis).
According to Variety, The Handmaid’s Tale star O-T Fagbenle will act alongside Davis to portray Barack Obama, who served as the United States‘ 44th President from 2009 to 2017. Fagbenle’s other credits include Black Widow, Maxxx, The Five, The Interceptor, Looking, As If and Doctor Who.
The official release date of The First Lady has yet to be revealed. Stay tuned while we wait for more details to surface.
