Colman Domingo’s eclectic filmography continues to grow with the upcoming Netflix film Rustin. The actor will portray civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the new movie by theater and film director George C. Wolfe. This will mark the second collaboration between Domingo and Wolfe, who have previously worked together on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Rustin will also continue the multi-year deal between Netflix and Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama.
Domingo is not the only actor already slated for the project. Chris Rock and Audra McDonald are also signed onto the film in major roles. Rock will portray former NAACP director Roy Wilkins, while McDonald will portray activist Ella Baker. Returning from Ma Rainey is Glynn Turman, who will play unionist and politician A. Philip Randolph. Needless to say, the cast for this project is stacked.
Wolfe will co-write the film with Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk who is also currently adapting Under The Banner of Heaven for FX. Bruce Cohen is slated to produce the project alongside Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis. Alex G. Scott and Higher Ground producer Mark R. Wright will serve as executive producers to the film.
Rustin will be the first feature film produced by Higher Ground, having previously presented Fatherhood and Worth for its streaming partner. Other upcoming projects from the company expected to be released through Netflix include the adaptation of Mohsin Hamid’s 2017 novel Exit West, which will be also be produced by Anthony and Joe Russo and will star Riz Ahmed.
Rustin’s release date has not yet been confirmed, although filming is expected to begin soon. Read Netflix’s official tagline for the film below:
Rustin tells the story of charismatic, gay, civil rights Activist Bayard Rustin, who overcame an onslaught of obstacles, and altered the course of American history by organizing the 1963 March on Washington.
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