It’s about a race and race, get it? Okay, lets not be glib about legendary athlete Jesse Owens’ accomplishments in the Olympic track and field world, but maybe that’s not the greatest title in the world. Though we suppose it is appropriate considering what Owens’ accomplishments meant to the world in the 1930s. Once a project that Anthony Mackie was also trying to make, “Race,” the new Jesse Owens film, stars Stephan James (“Selma”) as one of the greatest athletes in sports history. In case you don’t know this track star’s historically important tale, here’s the synopsis:
Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. “Race” is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.
Directed by veteran director Stephen Hopkins ("Predator 2," "Judgment Night”), “Race” also co-stars Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, Carice van Houten, Shanice Banton, and William Hurt. “Race” dashes into theaters nationwide from Focus Features on February 19, 2016. Watch the first trailer below.