Cynthia Erivo Portrays Harriet Tubman In Bio Pic From Focus Features, Backlash Ensues

The trailer opens with Tubman's escape from slavery, setting the tone for the film which will follow the American abolitionist journey from captive to conductor of the Underground Railroad, helping to free hundreds of other slaves. She runs into a white catcher on a bridge and vows that she "will be free or die". She then jumps into a ranging river beneath her. Janelle Monae and Leslie Odom Jr co-star alongside Erivo in the film. Though many congratulated the actress who is one award, particularly an Oscar, away from becoming the youngest EGOT recipient. She already won an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony. Critics slammed the actress for her heritage. Some questioned whether the actress who was raised in the United Kingdom and is of Nigerian decent, understood the importance of a role such as Harriet. Erivo responded by saying this "I hope that I do everyone, even those who are in doubt or are upset, proud. I hope to quell your fears, because I understand that is what it is. I cannot tell how protective I am of this woman and her story.” We are surely rooting for her! We can't wait to see what she brings to the iconic role and possibly score herself an Oscar nom early next year.

Harriet is expected in theaters this November.