'Rustin' biopic trailer spotlights the 'forgotten' civil rights leader

"He made history, and in turn, he was forgotten."
By  on 
Rustin key art
Watch Next

Everyone knows the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the speech he gave 60 years ago today that rang out over Washington D.C. Not as many people know about Bayard Rustin.

The March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963, while a stunning showcase for Dr. King's legendary oratory powers, was organized by Rustin and A. Phillip Randolph Jr. — two leaders in the civil rights movement, who still haven't been given their due in mainstream culture. That's starting to change this year with the release of Netflix's Rustin, a biopic starring Colman Domingo (Euphoria and the upcoming The Color Purple) as the influential leader. It's directed by George C. Wolfe (who is, like both Rustin and Domingo, a gay Black man). And the film's executive producers include former Washington residents Barack and Michelle Obama, through their Higher Ground productions.

Rustin releases on Netflix globally on November 17.

Mashable Image
Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin is Mashable's Australian Editor. She has written for The Guardian, Junkee, and any number of plucky little music and culture publications that were run on the smell of an oily rag and have since been flushed off the Internet like a dead goldfish by their new owners. She also worked at Choice, Australia's consumer advocacy non-profit and magazine, and as such has surprisingly strong opinions about whitegoods. She enjoys big dumb action movies, big clever action movies, cult Canadian comedies set in small towns, Carly Rae Jepsen, The Replacements, smoky mezcal, revenge bedtime procrastination, and being left the hell alone when she's reading.


Latest Videos

'Lilo and Stitch' trailer brings the iconic duo to live action
Stitch and Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch."


'Poker Face' Season 2 teaser: Natasha Lyonne tangles with Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney, and more
Natasha Lyonne in "Poker Face."

Stephen Colbert goes to town on Trump and Musk's Tesla ad
Stephen Colbert presents "The Late Show."



John Mulaney surprises Jimmy Kimmel with a very niche gift
A man sits on a talk show opposite the host, touching something on the desk covered in black cloth. Another man is seen on a video call via a smartphone held by the host.



The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!