Jhalen Daniels to Direct Christopher M. Garris’ Cousins 2: Planting the Seeds

The Cousins saga continues. Jhalen Daniels has signed on to direct Cousins 2: Planting the Seeds, the highly anticipated follow-up to Christopher M. Garris’ original family drama. Christiana Cross is producing, with filming set to kick off September 8 across multiple locations in metro Atlanta.

Leading the cast is Samiah Alexander, reprising her breakout role from the first film. Ty Goudy joins the franchise in a pivotal turn, stepping into the role once portrayed by the late Tomathan McGinnis. “Ty brings a new energy and edge that honors Tomathan’s legacy while pushing the story into bold new territory,” said Daniels.

The ensemble features a mix of returning and new faces, including Nyita Nikole, ChiffonaRay, William Pennix, Kashmir Satchel-Jarrett, Marques Buford, Ulrike Stewart, Stan B. Lackey, Kingston Gammage, Foy Munlin, and Tyler Dowdy.

Penned by Garris, the sequel is described as a tense, character-driven drama: In Atlanta, a woman’s return to her family reignites old wounds and hidden agendas, setting off a dangerous game of loyalty, lies, and survival.

Speaking on the project, Daniels said: “This isn’t just a sequel — it’s a reinvention. We’re raising the stakes, expanding the world, and delivering a story that feels both bigger in scope and sharper in its intimacy. Atlanta becomes a character in itself, pulsing with culture, conflict, and survival.”

With a loyal fan base already attached to the franchise, Cousins 2: Planting the Seeds aims to position itself as a cultural event when it rolls cameras this month.