Directed by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (“The Hoax”) based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (“The Darjeeling Limited”) and John Carls (“Where the Wild Things Are”) with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. “Queen of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Here’s the official synopsis for Queen of Katwe: Scripted by William Wheeler ( The Hoax), Queen of Katwe opens in theaters on September 23rd. I really wouldn't be surprised if this became something of a breakout hit later this year, and this trailer definitely puts this on my radar as something I'm looking forward to. Moreover, after being hidden by CG in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Jungle Book, it's great to see Nyong'o back in front of the camera. Nair's storytelling talents are solid, and newcomer Madina Nalwanga looks to absolutely hold her own opposite magnificent performers like Nyong'o and David Oyelowo.
Sure you can probably predict exactly where this thing's going, but this looks like a delightful and inspiring watch nonetheless. This is very much in the vein of Disney's traditional inspirational sports movies like Million Dollar Arm, McFarland, USA, and Secretariat, but what sets it apart from those films is that not only is it telling a refreshingly non-American story, but the talent both behind and in front of the camera is stellar. Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o stars in the inspirational true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda who, after being introduced to the game of chess, pursues a dream of becoming an international chess champion. Disney has released the first Queen of Katwe trailer for director Mira Nair’s ( Monsoon Wedding) adaptation of the Tim Crothers book of the same name.