Jamie Foxx is heading to the courtroom in legal drama “The Burial,” based on a true story.
The Oscar winner stars alongside Tommy Lee Jones for Maggie Betts’ follow-up to her 2017 breakout film “Novitiate.” Based on a New Yorker article by Jonathan Harr, “The Burial” follows a Black personal injury lawyer who takes on an unusual case amid prejudices in the South.
Per the official synopsis, inspired by true events, when a handshake deal goes sour, funeral homeowner Jeremiah O’Keefe (Jones) enlists charismatic, smooth-talking attorney Willie E. Gary (Foxx) to save his family business. Tempers flare and laughter ensue as the unlikely pair bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspirational, triumphant story.
O’Keefe sued Canadian funeral home Loewen Group in a history-making case 15 years ago.
Doug Wright and director Betts adapted the New Yorker article, with Wright behind the story. In addition to lead stars Jones and Foxx, the cast also includes Jurnee Smollett, Mamoudou Athie, Pamela Reed, Bill Camp, and “Succession” alum Alan Ruck.
“The Burial” is set to premiere at TIFF. Foxx, Celine Rattray, Trudie Styler, Datari Turner, Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, and Bobby Shriver serve as producers.
Writer-director Betts told People magazine earlier this year that Foxx was the perfect fit to play eccentric lawyer Gary.
“It was clear from the start that Jamie was going to completely devour the role of Willie Gary,” Betts said. “The real Willie Gary has a huge, larger-than-life personality, and I knew Jamie had the talent, charisma and range to bring this complex and multi-faceted persona to the screen. He was a perfect match for the role, and he brought so much more humanity and vulnerability to the character than I could have ever expected which, as a director, was very exciting to work with.”
Foxx also credited co-star Jones for bringing the right balance to the role, saying, “When the artistic stars line up and certain people step into a role, it usually turns out really, really good. He’s so special for the part.”
“The Burial” premieres in select theaters October 6 and will be available to stream on Prime Video October 13. Check out the trailer below.
