Shirley Trailer Showcases Regina King as Trailblazer
Netflix has released the official trailer and poster for the highly anticipated biopic Shirley, starring Oscar-winner Regina King as political pioneer Shirley Chisholm.
Directed and written by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave), the film follows Chisholm’s barrier-breaking 1972 campaign to become the first Black female President of the United States.
“I just want to remind people what’s possible,” King boldly declares as Chisholm in the rousing trailer.
Star-Studded Cast Joins King
Shirley boasts an impressive ensemble supporting King in the lead role. The cast includes Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, Dorian Crossmond Missick, Amirah Vann, W. Earl Brown, Brad James, Reina King with André Holland and Terrence Howard.
Specific character details are still under wraps. But the new poster features King front and center, with the tagline “Fearless. Fierce. First.” pumping up excitement.
Inside Shirley’s Trailblazing Campaign
Based on exclusive life story rights from the Chisholm Estate, Shirley provides an intimate look at the political trailblazer during her historic White House run fifty years ago.
“Shirley tracks the dynamic presidential campaign in 1972 run by America’s first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm,” the Netflix synopsis explains. “It offers an behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time.”
The film marks Oscar winner John Ridley’s first major directing project following his buzzworthy series Five Days at Memorial. Early test screenings suggest Shirley delivers a by-the-numbers biopic approach.
But with King’s proven acting chops as the iconic Chisholm, fans are hopeful for an inspiring and timely story when Shirley debuts March 22, 2024 on Netflix.
