The first trailer just dropped for what is most likely the final film of Chadwick Boseman’s career before sadly succumbing to cancer earlier this year. In what seems like a moment of symmetry, the new Netflix film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, was produced by Denzel Washington. It is famously now known that Washington had paid for Boseman to study acting at Oxford several years. ago.
In the new film, Viola Davis stars as Blue’s icon Ma Rainey and Boseman plays her ambitious horn player. In the film, based on August Wilson’s play of the same name they two struggle against each other as one tries to hold on to power and the other wants to rise. Meanwhile, they must deal with the white management who is determined to have their own way with them.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom hits Netflix and some theaters on December 18th. This is definitely going to be one to watch come awards season.
Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman), and the white management determined to control the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s play. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by George C. Wolfe. Starring Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Glynn Turman, Dusan Brown and Taylour Paige. Coming to Netflix December 18.