by: Alana Brown-Davis
This week, Hulu announced a new original series titled ‘Washington Black’ starring Sterling K. Brown. The trailer for ‘Washington Black’ was released Monday, giving viewers a sneak peek into the series. Based off of the award winning novel by Esi Edugyan, the series follows the adventurous life of George Washington ‘Wash’ Black in the 19th century. ‘Wash’ is a young field slave on a Barbados sugar plantation. A gruesome accident forces him to flee. After his escape, Wash embarks on a global journey with his passion for science being his compass. The trailer displays his travels in a ‘The Alchemist’ esque storyline that will be riveting for viewers.
Young Washington is played by Eddie Karanja and adult Washington is played by Ernest Kingsley Jr. Both actors starred in the ‘The Sandman’. Tom Ellis of ‘Lucifer’ portrays Christopher “Titch” Wilde, an explorer who provides young Washington with guidance. ‘This Is Us’ actor Sterling K. Brown plays Medwin Harris, a pillar of the Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Other cast members include Iola Evans, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Rupert Graves, and Edward Bluemel.
The rights for the novel were aquired by 20th Televison in March 2019, with reports of the adaptation coming out months later. Casting began in 2021 and filming commenced the following year. ‘Washington Black’ is associated with Indian Meadows Productions and The Gotham Group. Actor Sterling K. Brown works alongside Selwyn Seyfu Hinds as executive producers. This marks a major year for Brown who also stars in the Hulu series ‘Paradise’.
The eight episode series will premiere on July 23 on Hulu and Disney+. Be sure to check for new updates at Famease.
