Regina King’s Drastic Transformation To Play Shirley Chisholm Is Revealed in New Trailer

Some pioneering figures are long overdo for the mainstream biopic treatment, including trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm. The late U.S. Representative made history when, in 1972, she became the first woman and Black candidate for a major-party nomination for President of the United States, running to secure the Democratic party’s nomination. That very story is on its way to Netflix this March, with Regina King transforming into the history-making figure.

In the first trailer for the forthcoming film, King is wholly in-character from her hair, makeup, and wardrobe to the cadence of Chisholm’s voice. Shirley dramatizes and depicts Chisholm’s bid for the Democratic party’s nomination and her political endeavors and passion. Chisholm had already made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. Her feat to secure the nomination and eventual office of President of the United States, however, was her greatest and boldest feat of her career.

Related story Regina King on How She Embodied Trailblazing Politician Shirley Chisholm

SheKnows spoke with King about the daunting task of playing such an iconic, important figure in American history back in December 2022. “You know, it was really tough because her life is so rich, and the story we’re telling is just a slice of life, just a slice of history, a slice of a moment in time that she was the first, the first in so many ways,” King said. The actress and filmmaker emphasized that “no one knows” who Chisholm was.

“People say, ‘Oh, I’ve seen a picture before,’ [but] won’t even know her name. She was a maverick, she was a blueprint for a President Obama or a Hillary Clinton,” King said. Indeed, Chisholm’s confidence and dedication to public service paved the way for so many politicians who came after her. Now, perhaps, everyone will know Chisholm’s name.

“My hope is that this slice of life of her story that we’re telling…that it will inspire people to want to look her up and learn more about her,” King said. Shirley is written and directed by Oscar-winning producer John Ridley (12 Years a Slave). The film hits Netflix March 22.

Before you go, click here to see the most iconic roles played by Black women in movies & TV.

Related story Regina King on How She Embodied Trailblazing Politician Shirley Chisholm