StarringDaniel KaluuyaandLaKeith Stanfield, the first trailer forJudas and the Black Messiahhas dropped, and it looks to be an intense, incendiary, and wholly vital watch telling a true story of revolution, spirit, betrayal, and reverberation. Warner Bros. says the film will be released “only in theaters” without giving a specific release date, but as soon as it is safe to, I will be seeing this gripping tale.
Kaluuya stars asFred Hampton, the Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Stanfield stars asWilliam O’Neal, a felon facing prison time who’s given a deal: Cooperate with the FBI (represented in the trailer by the always up-to-no-goodJesse Plemons), go undercover in the Black Panther Party, infiltrate Hampton, and destroy him. O’Neal takes the deal, andJudas and the Black Messiahdocuments this decision to its frighteningly tragic end. The trailer showcases the impossible human dramas, the common sense “radicalism” at the core of Hampton’s philosophies, and an intense amount of action, too. It’s a barn-burner.
The film is directed byShaka King, making his studio feature directing debut (and it looks like he has a confident, provocative, stylish hand). King also co-wrote the screenplay alongsideWill Berson,Kenny Lucas, andKeith Lucas. Other cast members includeDominique Fishback,Ashton Sanders,Martin Sheen,Algee Smith,Darrell Britt-Gibson,Dominique Thorne,Amari Cheatom,Caleb Eberhardt, andLil Rel Howery. Executive producers includeRyan Coogler,Charles D. King,Sev Ohanian,Zinzi Coogler,Kim Roth,Poppy Hanks,Ravi Mehta,Jeff Skoll,Anikah McLaren,Aaron L. Gilbert,Jason Cloth,Ted Gidlow, andNiija Kuykendall. If the film’s politics and filmmaking aren’t too radicalized and, well, “good” for the often-stodgy Academy — and if we’re ever allowed to step foot in a theater again — expect this sucker to get all kinds of Oscar buzz.
Judas and the Black Messiahwill be coming to theaters soon. you’re able to check out the first trailer and official synopsis of the upcoming Warner Bros. historical drama below. For more, check out our2021 upcoming movies release date calendar.
Chairman Fred Hampton was 21 years old when he was assassinated by the FBI, who coerced a petty criminal named William O’Neal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. But they could not kill Fred Hampton’s legacy and, 50 years later, his words still echo…louder than ever.
