WarnerMedia Friday continued its rollout of new original projects in the works for its upcoming streaming service HBO Max with a straight-to-series order for drama Americanah, starring Lupita Nyong’o.

The series, based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name, stars Nyong’o (Black Panther) as a woman born in Nigeria who leaves for America, and follows her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery, according to the company. Danai Gurira (Black Panther, The Walking Dead) will serve as showrunner for the 10-episode series and will write the pilot episode. 

“Americanah has sparked a cultural phenomenon and is revered by fans around the world. It has affected me deeply as one of the most moving, socially relevant and romantic stories of our time,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max in a statement. “With exceptional talent like Lupita and Danai in front of and behind the camera, this series will give viewers a uniquely heartfelt and unforgettable experience.”

The announcement comes on the heels of HBO Max’s first original shows in the unscripted genre, Legendary and The Greatest Space.

Related: HBO Max Orders Reality Series from ‘Queer Eye’ and ‘Amazing Race’ Creators

WarnerMedia Friday continued its rollout of new original projects in the works for its upcoming streaming service HBO Max with a straight-to-series order for drama Americanah, starring Lupita Nyong’o.

The series, based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name, stars Nyong’o (Black Panther) as a woman born in Nigeria who leaves for America, and follows her extraordinary experiences with love, heartache, adversity and self-discovery, according to the company. Danai Gurira (Black Panther, The Walking Dead) will serve as showrunner for the 10-episode series and will write the pilot episode. 

“Americanah has sparked a cultural phenomenon and is revered by fans around the world. It has affected me deeply as one of the most moving, socially relevant and romantic stories of our time,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max in a statement. “With exceptional talent like Lupita and Danai in front of and behind the camera, this series will give viewers a uniquely heartfelt and unforgettable experience.”

The announcement comes on the heels of HBO Max’s first original shows in the unscripted genre, Legendary and The Greatest Space.

Related: HBO Max Orders Reality Series from ‘Queer Eye’ and ‘Amazing Race’ Creators

Actress/playwright Danai Gurira will serve as the keynote speaker for the Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT)’s Sept. 19 Touchstones Luncheon, the organization said Wednesday.

“All of us at WICT are delighted to welcome Danai Gurira to the big stage as we showcase WICT's Woman of the Year and Women to Watch. Danai is an integral cast member of AMC's The Walking Dead -- among the most popular cable TV shows ever created,” said WICT Board Chair Martha Soehren, senior vice president and Chief Talent Development Officer, Comcast. “She is also a highly decorated actress and playwright, garnering six Tony nominations and six Ovation Awards. She brings a unique perspective to our audience through her highly acclaimed work,"

WICT also announced that AMC Networks executive vice president and chief communications officer Ellen Kroner will serve as the luncheon’s 2016 Honorary Chair. The luncheon, held during cable’s Diversity Week, will honor Scripps Networks Interactive chief programming, content and brand officer Kathleen Finch as its woman of the year.

"We are also delighted to welcome my WICT Board colleague Ellen Kroner to serve as this year's Honorary Chair,” Soehren said. “Aside from Ellen's significant business accomplishments, she is a staunch WICT supporter and a true champion of diversity and inclusion."