Strung is a 2026 American psychological thriller film directed by Malcolm D. Lee and written by Alan B. McElroy. It stars Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones, and Romy Woods. Tyler Perry and Jason Blum serve as producers through their Peachtree & Vine and Blumhouse Productions banners, respectively, in association with Blackmaled Productions. The film follows Laila (played by Bailey), a struggling violinist who accepts a live-in tutoring job for a wealthy, elite family and discovers a web of dark secrets.
Strung premiered at the American Black Film Festival on May 27, 2026, and was released on June 26, 2026 by Peacock.
Contents
Cast
Chloe Bailey as Laila Calloway
Lynn Whitfield as Audra Jelani
Lucien Laviscount as Marcus Walker
Anna Diop as Imani Walker
Coco Jones as Jasmine
Romy Woods as Zuri
Donna Biscoe as Charmaine Stewart
Pardison Fontaine as Reginald Garvey Bell (RGB)
Lebo Mashile as Femi
Langley Kirkwood as Erik
Production
Development
On October 1, 2021, it was reported that Alan B. McElroy would write and direct Help, with Jason Blum and Tyler Perry producing the film. On May 16, 2025, it was announced that Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones, and Romy Woods would star in the film, with Malcolm D. Lee replacing McElroy as the director.
Filming
Principal photography was reported to be beginning in Cape Town, South Africa on March 7, 2025, prior to the announcement of the cast.
Music
Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge composed the score for the film.
Release
Strung premiered at the American Black Film Festival on May 27, 2026, and was released on June 26, 2026 by Peacock.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 31% of 16 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 3.5/10.