Mary J. Blige Reveals the ‘Amazing’ Reason She Cast Da’Vinchi and Ajiona Alexus in Her Lifetime Movie Trilogy (Exclusive)

Mary J. Blige is not only a celebrated nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist but also a powerful presence in the entertainment world as an executive producer. Her recent venture into television, with a trilogy of original films for Lifetime, has garnered significant attention. The trilogy includes Mary J. Blige’s Real Love (2023), Strength of a Woman (2023), and the upcoming Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair (2025). These films, deeply inspired by Blige’s music, explore themes of love, resilience, and personal growth through the complex relationship of Kendra (played by Ajiona Alexus) and Ben (played by Da’Vinchi).

The casting of Da’Vinchi and Ajiona Alexus as the lead characters was crucial in bringing these deeply emotional and compelling stories to life. Blige’s decision to cast them wasn’t random; it was based on a combination of their prior work, personal connection, and chemistry, all of which played an integral role in her vision for the trilogy.

Here’s an exclusive look at the key reasons Blige chose Da’Vinchi and Ajiona Alexus for the roles:

1. Impression from BMF

Blige’s casting decision was heavily influenced by the duo’s remarkable performances in the first season of Starz’s BMF, a gripping drama about the Black Mafia Family. In an exclusive interview with People.com, Blige shared, “When I first saw them in the very first season of BMF, I was blown away.” She highlighted their ability to portray complex characters as one of the major factors behind her decision. Da’Vinchi, known for his portrayal of Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, and Alexus, who played Katherine “Kato” Eder, demonstrated a level of emotional depth and nuance that aligned perfectly with the roles of Kendra and Ben, who also face deep personal and familial challenges throughout the trilogy.

2. Personal Connection and Chemistry

Blige’s personal interactions with the actors also played a pivotal role in her decision. She expressed that both Da’Vinchi and Alexus were “really good people” and “beautiful people.” This personal connection was crucial for Blige, who understands that a harmonious working environment is vital for a project to succeed, especially in a storyline as emotionally charged as the one featured in her films. The ability of the actors to bond off-screen made it easier for them to develop the on-screen chemistry required to portray a complex and evolving love story over multiple films.

3. Prior Collaboration with Da’Vinchi

Da’Vinchi’s prior work with Blige further cemented his place in the trilogy. The actor starred in Blige’s 2022 music video for “Come See About Me”, which gave the singer firsthand experience with Da’Vinchi’s acting ability and work ethic. This collaboration added another layer of trust and familiarity, which was crucial for Blige when considering him for the role of Ben. While there is no mention of a similar prior collaboration between Blige and Alexus, her stellar performance in BMF was enough to secure her role as Kendra.

4. Continuity and Reprising Roles

The decision to cast Da’Vinchi and Alexus was also influenced by the continuity they brought to the trilogy. Both actors reprised their roles from Real Love and Strength of a Woman into Family Affair. Blige’s satisfaction with their performances in the earlier films indicated that they were the perfect fit to continue the journey of Kendra and Ben as they face new challenges. As the trilogy progresses, their characters will deal with more complex issues, such as fertility struggles and evolving family dynamics. The established chemistry between Da’Vinchi and Alexus ensures a seamless transition as the characters mature and their relationship deepens.

A Growing Journey

The narrative of Blige’s trilogy follows Kendra and Ben as they navigate their lives from college to adulthood, facing love, loss, and family struggles. The decision to cast Da’Vinchi and Alexus was not just about talent; it was about finding actors who could evolve with their characters. As Blige herself noted, the actors’ ability to portray this growth, seen in their earlier work and confirmed by their performances in Real Love and Strength of a Woman, made them ideal choices for the next chapter in Family Affair.

Their roles in Family Affair introduce new obstacles for the couple, including issues surrounding fertility and shifting family dynamics, making it all the more important that the chemistry and depth between the two leads remain consistent.

A Testament to Trust and Talent

Blige’s decision to cast Da’Vinchi and Ajiona Alexus is a testament to her deep understanding of both the creative and personal aspects of filmmaking. She has found two actors who not only possess immense talent but also embody the qualities of trust, chemistry, and dedication required to bring her vision to life. As the trilogy continues, audiences will undoubtedly be captivated by the performances of Da’Vinchi and Alexus, as they expertly bring Kendra and Ben’s story of love and resilience to the screen.

With the upcoming release of Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair in 2025, fans can look forward to another chapter in the evolving narrative of these two beloved characters, with the guidance of Blige’s expert eye for talent and authenticity.