New 'Queen of Katwe' Trailer Shows the Early Days of a Chess Champion
The upcoming drama Queen of Katwe has the potential to inspire some serious tears, at least from the looks of the first trailer Disney released in May. The inspirational tale follows the real-life journey of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl who beat incredible odds on her way to becoming a world chess champion.
Now in an exclusive new TV spot above, we get a better look at what that journey entailed. Phiona (Madina Nalwanga in her screen debut) is part of a team of kids from the slums of Katwe who go on to compete against far more privileged teens.
Katwe looks to follow in the steps of other hit underdog stories like Rudy, Searching for Bobby Fischer, and Stand and Deliver. Every underdog needs a motivational mentor and taking up that mantle in Katwe is David Oyelowo (Selma) as chess instructor Robert Katende. In one choice moment from the TV spot, Katende drives home Phiona and the team’s underdog status with a fittingly pet-friendly metaphor.
Directed by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake), Queen of Katwe also stars Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) as Phiona’s mother Harriet. The film opens Sept. 23. Watch the full trailer below:
