Sean Bell’s Tragic Story Comes to the Screen in Powerful New Series AFTERSHOCK — In Theaters Nov. 28, Digital in December
Eighteen years ago, New York was shaken by the heartbreaking story of Sean Bell — a 23-year-old groom who was killed by the NYPD just hours before his wedding day. Now, nearly two decades later, his story is being brought to life in a gripping new drama that promises to both honor his legacy and reignite the call for justice.
The three-part limited series, titled AFTERSHOCK, comes from Manny Halley Productions in collaboration with Nicole P. Bell (Sean’s fiancée at the time of his death) and their daughters. The project offers a raw, human look at the man behind the headlines — and the devastating ripple effects of his loss. The series opens in theaters on November 28, and will launch on all digital platforms in December.
A Story That Still Echoes
Sean Bell’s death made national headlines in November 2006, when plainclothes NYPD officers fired 50 bullets into his car outside a Queens club after his bachelor party, killing Sean and injuring two friends. The incident sparked outrage and became a defining moment in conversations about police accountability and racial justice.
The film was executive produced by Roc Nation – who has been an advocate against police misconduct for many years,
AFTERSHOCK revisits that tragedy through the eyes of the family who has spent nearly two decades fighting to preserve his memory and seek justice.
Inside the Series
- Produced by: Manny Halley Productions and Roc Nation
- In collaboration with: Nicole P. Bell and the Bell family
- Written by: Cas Sigers Beedles
- Directed by: Alesia “Z” Glidewell
- Starring: Rayven Ferrell as Nicole P. Bell, Bentley Green as Sean Bell, with Richard T. Jones and Richard Lawson
The series blends intimate character work with the broader social context, highlighting love, loss, and the enduring push for change.
Nicole P. Bell’s Enduring Strength
At just 22, Nicole lost her fiancé the night before their wedding. Since then, she’s raised their daughters while advocating for reform. Her resilience is the emotional core of AFTERSHOCK, tracing a path from unimaginable grief to purpose-driven action. The teaser — now live at @aftershockseries — spotlights powerful imagery, moving performances, and a message that still resonates.
Keeping Sean’s Story Alive
The creators say the goal isn’t only to revisit the past, but to remind audiences that Sean Bell’s story — and others like it — remains painfully relevant. Community screenings are being planned, with conversations to follow each episode to help process the themes and uplift local advocacy.
AFTERSHOCK is a tribute and a call to remember — a reminder that the names we say and the stories we keep alive can shape the future.
Release: In theaters November 28; on all digital platforms in December.
Follow: @aftershockseries for the teaser and updates.
#AftershockTheSeries #JusticeForSeanBell #MannyHalleyProductions