To show their support for today's Blackout Tuesday movement, Warner Bros. is making the Destin Daniel Cretton-directed feature JUST MERCY available to rent for free during the month of June across all digital platforms. The film tells the story of civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson and his mission to free free wrongly condemned death row prisoner Walter McMillian.
“We believe in the power of story. Our film Just Mercy, based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, is one resource we can humbly offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society,” read a statement posted by Warner Bros. last night on its social media channels.
“To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today. Thank you to the artists, storytellers and advocates who helped make this film happen. Watch with your family, friends and allies. For further information on Bryan Stevenson and his work at the Equal Justice Initiative please visit EJI.org,” the statement continues.
CREED and BLACK PANTHER star Micheal B. Jordan leads the powerful drama, which also stars Oscar winners Jamie Foxx as McMillian and Brie Larson as Eva Ansley, the Operations director of Stevenson’s nonprofit law center Equal Justice Initiative. The film premiered during last year's Toronto International Film Festival, and currently holds an 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an Audience Score of 99%.
Up next for Cretton is SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS for Marvel Studios. The upcoming superhero spectacle stars KIM'S CONVENIENCE star Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu, with Awkwafina, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung and Fala Chen also joining the cast. When SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS arrives, the film is set to be Marvel's first film with an Asian lead.
Yesterday, Disney issued a letter to its employees confirming their vow to "strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere." With Shang-Chi set to place Asian actors at the forefront of a superhero epic, the upcoming film is just one of many where the House of Mouse can make good on their word.