Fantastic Four Star Is Set To Star In Acclaimed SXSW Director's New Film

Picture this:

Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever.Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice.

This is the official Amazon description of the book, Just Mercy, a memoir account of Bryan's first case. The book was fantastic by the way (drawing acclaim to put it in the company of To Kill a Mockingbird). I am incredibly excited for the film adaptation helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton. I wouldn't be surprised if you don't know his name, but Cretton is becoming an up and coming director through The Sundance Film Festival, drawing rave reviews and critical acclaim over the past 6 years for two of his entries specifically: Short Term 12 and I am Not a Hipster. Cretton, who has written and directed most of his short & feature films, is set to co-write the script for Just Mercy's film adaptation with The Glass Castle writer Andrew Lanham and produced by Gil Netter. Netter is no stranger to the inspirational, true story adaptations, as he found a solid hit with The Blind Side.

Bryan Stevenson is an iconic lawyer, and has played a pivotal role in how the legal system reaches the underprivileged in today's society. Portraying his character is paramount to the film, and I believe that they have found the right actor to fill his shoes in Michael B. Jordan.

This film would be an incredible shift for the now rising star of Jordan, but it could be a pivotal piece in cementing his acting prowess. We've seen his ability in Red Tails, Chronicle, Fruitvale Station & That Awkward Moment and we will see him portray the iconic Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four as well as the trainee of Rocky Balboa in Creed later this year. All these roles have given Jordan something unique to take away, and I believe that portraying this iconic and influential lawyer would give him something else as well; longevity. It's something every actor dreams of, knowing that they have what it takes to remain in the business. Bringing this story to life would give Michael B. Jordan exactly that.