Just when you thought that the cast of Steve McQueen‘s upcoming film Twelve Years A Slave couldn’t get any better, Michael K. Williams has now joined, according to Deadline. Best known for his role as Omar Little on The Wire, or perhaps for his role as Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire, Williams is yet another great addition to the already wildly impressive cast.
So far, McQueen has lined up the following gems to star in his film: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Scoot McNairy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Garrett Dillahunt, Ruth Negga, Taran Killam, Adepero Oduye and Alfre Woodard.
Twelve Years A Slave is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, “a freed slave who is tricked back into slavery, faces a grueling life under several owners and has to go court to reclaim his status.” As for Williams, he’s set to play a “mutinous slave” named Robert.
As you can tell, there is a lot to be excited about with this one. For one, McQueen is a proven talent behind the camera, giving us two excellent films in Shame and Hunger. Both starred Mr. Fassbender and this will be their third effort together. They haven’t let us down in the past and with Twelve Years A Slave, I’m expecting something equally as compelling and moving as their past two films.
Then, of course, there’s that supporting cast. Boasting names like Pitt, Cumberbatch, Giamatti and more, this is a like a dream come true for most. The film has Oscar written all over it and I wholeheartedly hope that it lives up to our expectations.
Twelve Years A Slave is currently in production in New Orleans and is aiming for a 2013 release.