Issa Rae is currently entering a new and highly productive phase of her career. The actor and producer has recently confirmed the development of a new television show and several film projects. This news comes at a time when her production company, HOORAE Media, is seeing significant growth and success.
The Success of One of Them Days
A major milestone in this growth is the success of the comedy film One of Them Days. Released in early 2025, the movie starred Keke Palmer and SZA. It proved to be a strong commercial win, grossing over $51 million at the box office. This is impressive considering the film was made on a modest $14 million budget.
The film’s performance showed that there is a large audience for stories led by Black women that focus on humor and relatable friendship. It also marked a successful feature film debut for director Lawrence Lamont and writer Syreeta Singleton. Because of this success, a sequel is already in the early stages of development.
A New Chapter With Paramount
In January 2026, Rae signed a major three-year deal with Paramount. This agreement covers both film and television projects. Under this deal, Paramount will have the first chance to look at and produce new content created by HOORAE Media.
This partnership is a significant move for Rae as she moves toward more studio-backed roles. In a public statement about the deal, Rae shared her goals for this new phase.
“I’m so looking forward to starting this next chapter with the incredible team at Paramount to tell stories for and by the diverse communities that have supported my work over the years,” Rae said.
The leadership at Paramount has also expressed high praise for her work. Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, the co-chairs of Paramount Pictures, described Rae as a “true creative force” whose work feels “fresh, funny, and deeply human.” They noted that she is exactly the kind of artist they want to partner with to create high-quality stories.
Exploring New Types of Content
Rae is not just sticking to scripted comedies and dramas. She is also expanding into unscripted television. HOORAE Media recently formed a partnership with Velvet Hammer Media. This collaboration will focus on developing reality shows, including dating series and social experiments.
By moving into this space, Rae is ensuring that her company has a presence in many different parts of the entertainment industry. This variety helps protect her business and allows her to reach different types of viewers. Whether it is a serious drama, a funny movie, or a reality show, the goal remains to tell stories that feel real and impactful.
The Vision Behind the Empire
At the heart of all these projects is a clear and consistent vision. Rae has often spoken about the need for better representation in Hollywood. She started her career with a YouTube series called The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl because she did not see herself reflected on screen.
Now that she has the power to create her own shows, she remains focused on the same goal. In a 2025 interview with Boardroom, she explained what drives her decisions.
“The base vision is honestly rooted in the audience that I’m thinking about. I think about friends and family. I think about Black women, and I think about myself, of course. All of these projects are born out of a love — whether it’s storytelling, telling stories, whether it’s community — that is the core focus,” she explained.
This focus on community is what makes her work stand out. She often hires writers and directors who have worked with her since her early days. This creates a supportive environment where new talent can grow.
Building a Long-Lasting Legacy
By securing long-term deals and producing profitable films, Issa Rae is building a lasting legacy in the media world. She is proving that diverse stories are not just culturally important, but they are also good for business.
Her company, HOORAE Media, now includes several different branches. These include a management agency for diverse creators and an audio platform for music and podcasts. This structure allows her to control every part of the creative process.
The future looks bright for this creative mogul. With a new scripted show in the works and multiple films on the horizon, fans can expect many more stories that celebrate and reflect Black life in new and exciting ways.
