The announcement that Warner Bros. was making the film available for streaming came on Blackout Tuesday, via social media. “We believe in the power of story. Just Mercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society,” reads a tweet from the official Just Mercy account.
In a statement shared with the tweet, Warner Bros. urged viewers to engage with issues of systemic racism, and offered Just Mercy as a starting point. “To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today.”
Based on Stevenson’s bestselling 2015 memoir, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, the film follows the 61-year-old social justice activist during his younger days. Jordan plays Stevenson, who becomes involved with the case of an inmate on death row named Walter McMillian, who’s played by Foxx. The movie follows the young lawyer as he tries to prove that McMillian was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.
Released in theaters on Christmas Day 2019, Just Mercy earned $50 million at the box office and largely positive reviews from critics. Foxx’s performance as McMillian was particularly singled out, and nabbed him a nomination at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, the real-life Stevenson discussed the emotions behind the George Floyd protests. “I don’t think it would be fair to ask protesters to solve the problems created by this long history,” he said. “In many ways, protests are a reaction of frustration and anger to the unwillingness of elected officials to engage in the kind of reforms that need to happen. The protests are a symbol of frustration and despair.”
A representative for Cretton has not yet responded to Newsweek’s request for comment.
