'Between the World and Me': Release date, plot, trailer and all you need to know about the special with Mahershala Ali

First published in 2015, 'Between the World and Me' was written as a letter to Coates’ teenage son and recounts the author’s experiences growing up Black
(HBO)
(HBO)

When it comes to Black non-fiction, theere is no one more revered than Ta-Nehisi Coates to voice what is culturally relevant in today's America. His books have long been on the best-selling lists and were regularly among those shared on social media during the Black Lives Matter protests. 'We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy' and 'Between the World and Me' are remarkable non-fiction books. Coates also dabbles in fiction, having written a 'Black Panther' series and a 'Captain America' series for Marvel Comics.

Needless to say, Coates's work transcends the literary plane and with HBO's latest adaptation of 'Between the World and Me', it is set to come to the screen. Read on to know more about HBO's special event which will star some of the biggest names of Hollywood including Mahershala Ali and Jharrel Jerome.

Release date

'Between the World and Me' will air on HBO on Saturday, November 21, at 8/7c.

Plot

The official plot for 'Between the World and Me' follows:

'Between the World and Me', based on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ #1 New York Times bestselling account, is coming to HBO as a special event.

First published in 2015, 'Between the World and Me' was written as a letter to Coates’ teenage son, and recounts the author’s experiences growing up in Baltimore’s inner city and his growing fear of daily violence against the Black community. The narrative explores Coates’ bold notion that American society structurally supports white supremacy.

Based on the 2018 adaptation and staging of the book at the Apollo Theater, the HBO Special will combine elements of Apollo’s production, including powerful readings from Coates’ book, and incorporate documentary footage from the actors’ home life, archival footage, and animation.

Cast

The cast for 'Between the World and Me' (HBO)

'Between the World and Me' will include appearances by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Angela Davis, Alicia Garza, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Jharrel Jerome, Mimi Jones, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Ledisi, Janet Mock, Jason Moran, Joe Morton, Wendell Pierce, Phylicia Rashad, Greg Alverez Reid, Mj Rodriguez, Kendrick Sampson, Yara Shahidi, Nate Smith, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, Courtney B. Vance, Olivia Washington, Pauletta Washington, Susan Kelechi Watson, Michelle Wilson, and Oprah Winfrey.

Producers/Director

'Between the World and Me' will be directed by award-winning director and Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Coates and Susan Kelechi Watson. Roger Ross Williams and his production company One Story Up will produce.

Trailer

HBO's 'Between the World and Me' promises that the special will discuss both historical and recent issues, such as American slavery and recent protests regarding police brutality and systemic racism.



 

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