Judas and the Black Messiah will be dropping this Friday, February 12th in theaters and on HBO Max for 31 days. It’s no coincidence that this is being released during our nation’s celebration of Black History Month. This film is an American biographical drama that is directed and produced by Shaka King and features an all-star cast including Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, and Dominique Fishback.

ALSO SEE: WB’S JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH DROPS SECOND TRAILER 

Inspired by the true story of William O’Neal. He was abused and manipulated by the system after being arrested. But he was offered a plea deal by the FBI. All he had to do was infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to collect intel on their chairman Fred Hampton. O’Neal is infamous for his betrayal as he was able to get very close to Hampton. It’s an impactful piece of history that is to a lot of people is unknown. This film does a great job at showing us the eerie similarities between the ’60s and today.

Here is the synopsis for Judas and the Black Messiah:

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?

With the film being released this week, LRM Online had the opportunity to take a few minutes to talk with the lead actor for the film, Lakeith Stanfield. As mentioned above in Judas and the Black Messiah, he plays William O’Neal. During our interview, we talk about how he prepared to play the role of such a disliked person in history. Also, he gives us his thoughts on what he took away from the role. As well as what he hopes others take away from the film. Make sure to check it out below!

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Judas and the Black Messiah hits theaters and HBO Max February 12th, 2021.