'Judas And The Black Messiah': Release date, plot, trailer and all you need to know about Fred Hampton biopic
In 1969, Fred Hampton was assassinated by the FBI, who compelled a petty criminal by the name of William O’Neal to help them silence him and the Black Panther Party. However, Hampton's legacy continued to roar over the years and his words about the revolution continue to reverberate. The film, 'Judas And The Black Messiah', tells this powerful story.
FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?
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Here's all you need to know about the upcoming film.
Release date
‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on February 1, 2021, at both virtual and in-person screenings. The biographical drama is scheduled to be released on February 12, 2021, in the United States, by Warner Bros.
Plot details
Hampton emerged as Chairman of Black Panther Party in Illinois, 1968. They were fighting for freedom and trying to change the fate of the Black community, and finally put an end to police brutality and the murders of Black people and see the light at the end of the tunnel for the systemic racism. Hampton rose up against oppression, which led him into trouble with the government, the FBI, and the Chicago Police.
The official synopsis for the film reads as, "The story of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and his fateful betrayal by FBI informant William O'Neal."
Cast
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel Kaluuya is known for his role in the 'Black Mirror' episode 'Fifteen Million Merits', as well as the BBC dark comedy 'Psychoville'. He earned several nominations and accolades for his leading role as Chris Washington in the 2017 horror film 'Get Out'.
Lakeith Stanfield
Lakeith Stanfield achieved international fame for his roles in biopics such as civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson in 'Selma' (2014), Snoop Dogg in 'Straight Outta Compton' (2015), and Patrick Haynes in 'Snowden' (2016). The other cast members include William O’Neal. Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Dominique Fishback, Jesse Plemons and Martin Sheen.
Creators
'Judas And The Black Messiah' is directed and produced by Shaka King. The screenplay is by King and Will Berson, with a story by King, Berson, and Kenny and Keith Lucas. The film has been produced by Ryan Coogler and Charles King.
Trailers
Where to stream?
The film is set to release in theaters. It will stream exclusively on February 12, on HBO Max. Subscribers can stream at no extra cost. Monthly subscriptions cost $14.99 monthly. The film will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from its theatrical release, so make sure you catch it while you can!
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