After months of anticipation, Judas and the Black Messiah has earned a release date. The upcoming film will focus on the rise of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton before his assassination in December 1969. Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya is set to star as Fred Hampton and Lakeith Stanfield will play the role of FBI informant William O'Neal. Martin Sheen, Dominique Fishback, Jesse Plemons, Lil' Rel Howery, Amari Cheatom and Algee Smith will also appear in the film.
"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," the film's description reads.
The film is led by director Shaka King, who is making his directorial debut. Alongside the freshman director, Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King of Just Mercy. Will Berson, Kenny Lucas and Keith Lucas handled writing the film.
"It was just a dream. I always say I literally got my first choice for every role. Every single person you see in the movie, I wrote it for them. Before I met Daniel [Kaluuya], knew Daniel, before Ryan [Coogler] even got attached he was who I had in mind for Fred [Hampton]. And Lakeith [Stanfield], I literally wrote it for him. We had been wanting to work together since we met years ago," King said about making the film.
Initially, the film was set to be released in August. However, things were pushed back as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down movie theaters across the world. Now, Judas and the Black Messiah will make its grand debut on February 12, 2021.
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