Ahead of its hybrid theatrical and HBO Max release, Oscar contender Judas and the Black Messiah has been added to the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Warner Bros. has also released a new trailer.

The film stars Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield as William O’Neal.  The film also stars Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith and Martin Sheen.

The official description: FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?

It is directed by Shaka King in his studio feature film directorial debut. King, who has a long relationship with filmmaker Ryan Coogler, pitched the film to him and MARCO’s Charles D. King, who are producers on the film.  Executive producers are Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks, Ravi Mehta, Jeff Skoll, Anikah McLaren, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth, Ted Gidlow, and Niija Kuykendall.

The film is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with MACRO Films, Participant and BRON Creative, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“We are delighted to welcome these powerful works into our program,” said Sundance festival director Tabitha Jackson, “In a year where our Festival already exemplifies the vanguard of bold, visionary storytelling from around the world, they help further expand our boundaries.” The film was also added along with Captains of Zaatari. 

Watch the new trailer below: