First Harriet trailer finds Cynthia Erivo shining as Harriet Tubman

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Cynthia Erivo had a breakout year in 2018 after shining in movies like BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE and WIDOWS, and it looks like she will continue to turn heads as Harriet Tubman in the new biopic, HARRIET, for which the first thrilling trailer has been released. Erivo could be poised for major awards contention in the leading actress categories, bringing to life the heroic abolitionist who braved the dangerous wilderness and even more dangerous individuals all so that she could bring slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

[SEE MORE]

Directed by Kasi Lemmons (EVE’S BAYOU) and written by Lemmons and Gregory Allen Howard (REMEMBER THE TITANS), the trailer teases her own journey as she first escaped slavery, only to continuously put herself in harm's way to go back time and again to bring more to freedom in the North. The trailer manages to showcase her turn into a bit of an action hero, learning how to wield a pistol and, as shown in the end, standing at the front of her own resistance group, rifles aimed.

Also starring in the movie are Leslie Odom Jr. as William Still, who would aid Tubman and become known as the “Father of the Underground Railroad”, and Janelle Monáe as Marie, who takes on a mentor role for Tubman, giving her encouragement as she plans to head back onto the road. “When trouble comes, you’ll be ready,” Marie says to Tubman as she aims her pistol. Also in supporting roles are Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters and Joe Alwyn.

[SEE MORE]

Here's the synopsis:

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

HARRIET is set for November 1.