Watch: Captivating First Trailer for Steve McQueen’s ‘12 Years A Slave’

12 Years A Slave – 01

12 Years A Slave

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup in ’12 Years A Slave’

Today we finally get a real look at Steve McQueen ‘s highly-anticipated historical drama 12 Years A Slave through its first trailer, as well as an official poster and photos.

Based on the 1853 autobiography of Solomon Northup , 12 Years A Slave tells the story of a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington D.C in 1841 and sold into slavery to work plantations in Louisiana for 12 years before his release.

McQueen’s third feature, 12 Year ‘s impressive cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor (as Solomon Northup), Michael Fassbender (who has starred in McQueen’s previous films Hunger and Shame ), Ruth Negga, Adepero Oduye, Alfre Woodard, Lupita Nyong’o, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scoot McNairy, Garret Dillahunt, Brad Pitt, Michael K. Williams, Paul Giamatti , Sarah Paulson , and Quvenzhané Wallis .

While many have reservations about yet another slave narrative coming to the big screen, Solomon’s story seems like one that deserves to be experienced by a new audience, as this isn’t the first time it’s been adapted for film.

In 1984, Gordon Parks directed Solomon Northup’s Odyssey (later Half Slave, Half Free ) for PBS television, which starred Avery Brooks .

The film has been moved up from its December 27 date to an October 18 release due to “some exuberant test screenings.” We’ll have our eye on festival appearances leading up to the premiere.

Enjoy the trailer and take a look at the poster and official photos below.

12 Years A Slave Official Poster

12 Years A Slave Official Poster

[Spotted via shadowandact ]

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