Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. to Star in New Film About Harriet Tubman
(© David Gordon)
Focus Features will begin production in October on the new film Harriet, chronicling the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman and starring Tony winners Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr.
Erivo (The Color Purple) will take on the title role, alongside fellow stage vets Odom Jr. (Hamilton), Jennifer Nettles (Chicago), and Clarke Peters (The Royale), as well as Joe Alwyn (Mary Queen of Scots).
Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou) will direct a screenplay that she cowrote with Gregory Allen Howard (Ali). John Toll will serve as cinematographer, with Hamilton Tony winner Paul Tazewell designing costumes. Debra Martin Chase with Martin Chase Productions, Daniela Taplin Lundberg with Stay Gold Features, and Gregory Allen Howard will produce.
Based on the life of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, Harriet follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity. Focus Features and Universal Pictures International will distribute the film worldwide.
