by: Olivia Diaz
Gugu Mbatha-Raw will star in Gary Ross’ FREE STATE OF JONES. The Civil War drama is based on the true story of Newton Knight, a Southern Unionist who lead a rebellion against the Confederacy. Mbatha-Raw will portraying Rachel, a slave who had an integral role in Knight’s life and in his armed revolt against the Confederacy. Matthew McConaughey was previously announced to star as Knight. For Ross, the film is that of a passion project, for which he will write, direct, and produce. Scott Stuber and Jon Kilik will join Ross as producers.
The up-and-coming British actress is fresh off of her successess in the back-to-back critically acclaimed films Belle and Beyond the Lights. She can next be seen in the Wachowski’s sci-fi adventure Jupiter Ascending, the Keanu Reeves courtroom drama The Whole Truth, and Sony’s Untitled NFL Concussion Drama, opposite Will Smith.
Mbatha-Raw is repped by CAA and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
