Michael B. Jordan is garnering some Oscar buzz for his performance in the upcoming film Just Mercy. Recently, the Creed and Black Panther star spoke with Variety about the responsibility he felt being both a producer and actor bringing the legal drama to life.
“This man has sacrificed so much. He’s dedicated his life to this cause, to equal justice. I felt a sense of responsibility to tell this story, to make sure as many people as possible could see this film,” Jordan said. “It’s not just about the Walter McMillians of the world … it’s something that affects everybody worldwide.”
Going more in-depth about bringing Just Mercy to life, Jordan’s co-star Jamie Foxx discussed portraying Walter McMillan. “Playing Walter McMillan and watching Michael so beautifully embody Bryan Stevenson, it was incredible going to work because you knew what you were doing meant a lot.”
Receiving positive reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival, Just Mercy tells the true tale of Walter McMillan (Foxx), a man wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of a white woman. It is then up to a young defense attorney by the name of Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) to appeal McMillan’s conviction.
Just Mercy will be released in theaters on December 25, 2019.
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