Updated: March 12, 2025
This spring, the hit series Godfather of Harlem will return for its fourth season. MGM+ has released a first look at the upcoming season, which will premiere on April 13.
Forest Whitaker reprises his role as Bumpy Johnson, while Rome Flynn joins the cast as the iconic American gangster Frank Lucas.
Season 4 will explore Lucas’ arrival in Harlem during the 1960s, showing his initial conflicts with Johnson before becoming one of Johnson’s closest allies and defenders. Johnson continues his bloody war for Harlem against the Mafia families of New York while dealing with challenges like the emergence of Lucas and his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers.
While Denzel Washington immortalized Lucas in American Gangster, this new portrayal rewinds the clock, diving into Lucas’ formative years and his relationship with Bumpy a decade before the events of the film.
“When I saw Rome’s audition, I immediately knew we’d found our man – equal parts charming and ruthless, savvy and suave,” said executive producer Chris Brancato in a statement. “Rome is a wonderful actor who can go toe-to-toe with Forest Whitaker and our other great performers.”
I’m filled with gratitude! Thrilled to be a part of the Godfather of Harlem universe and breathe new life into the legend of Frank Lucas,” Flynn shared. “I have so much admiration for Forest Whitaker. Working opposite of him, being led by the brilliant creator Chris Brancato, is truly a gift. An actor’s dream.”
Season 4 brings more new faces to the cast, including Michael Benjamin Washington as acclaimed writer and activist James Baldwin, Baldwin’s piercing insights into race, identity, and justice are sure to add a powerful layer to the series. Devin Kessler also joins as Tupac‘s mother Afeni Shakur.
Swizz Beatz will return as Executive Producer of the series’ soundtrack.
Photo Credit: MGM+
