Netflix Drops First Look Images of ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ Starring Chadwick Boseman in Last Role
by Trilby Beresford
The drama, also starring Viola Davis, premieres Dec. 18 on the streamer.
Netflix on Wednesday released first look images from its upcoming drama Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring Chadwick Boseman in his last role.
Directed by George C. Wolfe and based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s 1982 play, the film explores racial tensions in Chicago in 1927 while following Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her Black horn player and white management team.
Black Panther star Boseman, who plays the role of Levee in the film, died of colon cancer on Aug. 28 at age 43. Following his death, Netflix delayed a virtual preview that it had planned for the project.
“Working with Chadwick on Ma Rainey was a glorious experience,” said Wolfe in a statement at the time. “Everyday we all got to witness the ferocity of his talent and the gentleness of his heart. A truly blessed, loving, gifted and giving human being.”
The movie also stars Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, and Taylor Paige, and is produced by Denzel Washington, Todd Black, and Dany Wolf.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom premieres Dec. 18.