*In an inspiring portrayal, Oscar-winner Regina King takes on the role of political icon Shirley Chisholm in the upcoming Netflix film “Shirley,” chronicling Chisholm’s groundbreaking run for president in 1972. The film, written and directed by John Ridley, highlights the audacity and boundary-breaking campaign that marked Chisholm as the first Black candidate to seek a major presidential nomination.
EUR recently sat down with King, who plays the lead role, and her sister Reina King, an executive producer and cast member, along with Terrence Howard, who portrays Arthur Hardwick, one of Shirley’s political confidants.
Regina shared insights on portraying Chisholm, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the humanity behind the political figure. “It was important to bring out the humanity,” she stated. “We often view these larger-than-life figures as almost deities, but they are also daughters, wives, and women. Understanding all these facets helps us grasp the magnitude of what Shirley achieved.”
Reflecting on the historical context, Howard drew parallels between Chisholm and other influential figures like Mother Teresa. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the strength and support behind such figures, shedding light on the unsung heroes who contribute to their success. Howard remarked, “Regina has all those same qualities, and it’s interesting to be a part of watching history repeat itself.”
As an executive producer on the film, Regina also emphasized the timeliness of Chisholm’s story in today’s political climate. “It’s not in the vocabulary, being activated and informing yourself because people are kind of checked out of politics right now,” she noted. King urged the audience to be engaged about the issues that matter to them, citing Chisholm as a beacon of activism. “She’s a big inspiration. Using your voice can make a difference. Every little pebble can create ripples far and wide,” she passionately explained.
Reina, both an executive producer and cast member, emphasized the relevance of Chisholm’s enduring impact on society. “She is a beacon of that. She was a maverick, a Goliath, and it’s big shoes to fill. But you can, by using your voice,” she expressed.
“Shirley” also features Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, Dorian Crossmond Missick, Amirah Vann, W. Earl Brown, and Brad James.
The film will be available on Netflix on March 22.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Listen to her live, weeknights, 9 PM- midnight, on KBLA Talk 1580. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
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