Sterling K. Brown and Ernest Kingsley Jr. bring soul and adventure to Hulu’s Washington Black, a series that reimagines the slave narrative through a bold, globe-trotting lens.
Based on Esi Edugyan’s award-winning novel, the show follows Wash (Kingsley), a gifted young boy with a passion for science and invention, as he escapes bondage and sets out on a life-defining journey of self-discovery and freedom. Brown, who joined the project early on as a producer and actor, describes it as “a beautiful and powerful” story that flips the typical historical drama on its head—offering hope, imagination, and a metaphor for transcending the limits of our circumstances.
Interestingly, Washington Black also draws inspiration from 1980s adventure films like The Goonies, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Brown reflects on growing up with Spielberg’s cinematic epics and how the series aims to channel that same sense of wonder—with one vital difference: Black characters are front and center. “We like whimsy too,” he says, adding that it was time for a sweeping, nostalgic narrative where Black people take the spotlight. Kingsley relates Wash’s journey to modern coming-of-age sagas like The Maze Runner, sharing how the show’s blend of fantasy, danger, and emotional depth echoes the kind of storytelling that shaped his own childhood imagination.
At its heart, Washington Black is about more than just survival—it’s about daring to dream. Brown’s character, Medwin Harris, serves as both mentor and protector in Nova Scotia’s free Black community, yet the dynamic with Wash challenges the idea that safety alone is enough. “There’s more to life than just surviving,” Brown explains. That message—of striving for freedom, self-realisation, and something greater—makes *Washington Black* not only a compelling period piece but a timely reminder of the power of storytelling. For both actors, the show was not just a job, but an act of cultural reclamation
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