The Powerful First 'Harriet' Trailer Has ‘Oscar Contender’ Written All Over It
Focus Features has released the first full length trailer for the upcoming Harriet Tubman biopic starring Cynthia Erivo as the American hero. Harriet—directed by Kasi Lemmons and due out in November—also stars Janelle Monae and Leslie Odom Jr.
Based on the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, the upcoming film will span a large part of Tubman's life and the revolutionary work she did helping to free slaves on the Underground Railroad. Tubman, originally a slave herself, returned to the south several times to help lead others to freedom. Later in life, she worked alongside the U.S. Army and fought for women's suffrage.
Erivo, who starred in last year's Bad Time at the El Royale, will step into the very large role of Harriet Tubman. Odom Jr. will play William Still, an ally of Tubman's later in life. The screenplay, written by Gregory Allen Howard (Remember the Titans), is set for a November 1 2019 release date.
The role could be especially giant for Erivo, who is only an Academy Award shy of locking in an EGOT. She's currently won a Grammy, a Tony, and a Daytime Emmy all for her performance as Celie in the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple. If she wins an Oscar, she would be one of the youngest recipients of all four awards at 33 years old. And considering the delivery of that powerful line, "God don't mean people to own people," don't be surprised if you see her name at least pop up in the nomination chatter later this year.
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