‘Shirley’ is on Netflix March 22
Regina King breathes life into the remarkable Shirley Chisholm in the first glimpse of the upcoming Netflix film “Shirley.” Portraying the trailblazing figure, King steps into the shoes of the first Black woman elected to Congress and the initial Black presidential candidate.
The trailer offers a peek into Chisholm’s arduous journey, depicting her ascent to Congress against formidable odds as the daughter of a Barbados-born maid and a Guyanese laborer. It also delves into her challenges navigating the political landscape dominated by her White male counterparts.
The film promises to chronicle pivotal moments from Chisholm’s life, notably her audacious 1972 presidential campaign that shattered boundaries. Produced by King and her sister Reina King, “Shirley” features a stellar cast including the late Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Terrence Howard, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, and more. John Ridley, known for his work on the Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave,” serves as the film’s writer and director.
King, alongside her sister, dedicated 15 years to developing the film, driven by a determination to share Chisholm’s story. Reflecting on the significance of bringing Chisholm’s legacy to the forefront, King expressed how vital it was to honor her pioneering spirit.
The decision to release the film during an election year was deliberate, aiming for a more impactful debut. King emphasized the importance of unveiling Chisholm’s story in a space she carved for herself, underscoring her enduring relevance.
“Shirley” arrives on Netflix on March 22nd, poised to shine a light on the extraordinary journey of a true maverick and a trailblazer in American politics.
“Shirley” arrives on Netflix on March 22nd, poised to shine a light on the extraordinary journey of a true maverick and a trailblazer in American politics.
Images and Video are courtesy of Netflix.