Brad Pitt may be the “biggest” star in 12 Years a Slave, but as the film’s first trailer has arrived, he is merely a bit player in the true story you have to see to believe. We think Pitt saw the power in this story and knew that his name added to the cast list would bring attention to a film that should be required viewing for anyone who gets inspired by what real life people are capable of doing in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
12 Years a Slave tells the astounding true story of Solomon Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man living in upstate New York who was abducted and sold into slavery. Michael Fassbender plays a malicious slave owner who makes Northrup’s titular time in bondage a living hell. But, as the film’s trailer shows, there are also moments of kindness that fuel Northrup’s fire to survive.
Things begin to change for our protagonist when he meets a Canadian abolitionist played by Pitt, who will alter his life forever.
12 Years a Slave has also released its first poster (below) and is directed by Steve McQueen (Shame) and also features stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness), Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Sara Paulson, Alfre Woodard, and Michael Kenneth Williams.
