From music to movies: Toni Braxton stars in Lifetime adaptations of 'He Wasn't Man Enough' and 'Breathe Again'

The legendary Toni Braxton is bringing her music to the screen with two new Lifetime movies based on her most beloved songs, “He Wasn’t Man Enough” and “Breathe Again”.

According to “Deadline”, Braxton has signed a multi-picture deal with the network, stars in and produces both films. Braxton’s first movie, “He Wasn’t Man Enough”, is set to premiere on November 22 as part of the channel's "Love of a Lifetime” movie slate.

In the film, the singer plays Mel Montgomery, a best-selling author whose world unravels when she discovers her boyfriend Richard, played by Thomas Cadrot, has been lying to her.

Things take another turn when Mel learns that Richard is now engaged to Monica, played by Essence Atkins, who is her estranged friend from college.

With help from her best friend Candy (Yvette Nicole Brown), the two women team up instead of turning on each other. 

The 2000 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough”, produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, was the lead single from Braxton’s third studio album “The Heat”.

The song peaked at No 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/ hip hop chart for four weeks, becoming one of Braxton’s most popular anthems.

Written by Babyface, “Breathe Again” was the second single from Braxton’s self-titled debut album, and it also ranked at number three on the “Hot 100”.

According to the press release, the Grammy-winning singer’s “Breathe Again” film is set to premiere in 2026.

The sequel reunites Braxton and Atkins, with Cree Summer joining the cast. The story follows three women, Jennifer (Braxton), Vanessa (Summer) and Evelyn (Atkins).  

They meet as contestants on a reality dating show and face heartbreak in front of the cameras. Their shared experience turns into an unexpected friendship that takes them from Los Angeles to Seattle, where they start over and learn to rebuild their lives.

Each woman’s journey reflects growth and self-discovery: Jennifer rediscovers her artistry, Vanessa revives her business and opens herself to love again, while Evelyn learns to heal and embrace joy after loss. The film explores how female friendship can outlast the fleeting nature of romance.

Braxton previously took to Instagram to share her excitement, writing, “The secret is FINALLY out! I shot two amazing films with my girls @essence_says, @iamcreesummer & @yvettenicolebrown for @lifetimetv. It was a pleasure working with these talented beauties!”

Atkins told "Variety", “First of all, it’s an honour and a joy. Toni Braxton is all the things you want her to be. She’s powerful, beautiful, talented, and magnetic. 

But she’s also generous, kind and such a collaborator. I always say, I’d carry her bags if she needed me to,” she joked.

The two movies are produced by Braxton, Tanya Lopez and Kenneth Crear, with Stan Brooks directing and executive producing.