Legend has it that nearly 10 years ago, Miles Davis’ nephew Vince Wilburn proclaimed that only Don Cheadle could play the renowned jazz icon . It was a fair assertion back then, as Cheadle was coming off of acclaimed roles in Crash and Hotel Rwanda. Since then he’s gone on to solidify his status as an exceptional A-list actor, and now he’ll put his directing chops to the test as well. The House of Lies star is helming the upcoming Miles Davis biopic, which - yes, he stars in too - meaning that Wilburn finally got his wish.
The first trailer for Miles Ahead dropped earlier on Tuesday via Entertainment Weekly and introduced the world to one of the early Oscar contenders for 2017. The film received strong reviews back at its premiere at the New York Film Festival, and will be looking to carry that momentum into the box office and awards circuit come April 1. And no, this isn’t a joke: Miles Ahead is around the corner and it looks very, very good. Take a look at the first trailer for Miles Ahead, below:
'Miles Ahead' Trailer Starring Don Cheadle
At first glance, it appears that Miles Ahead doesn’t have any intention of softening its subject or story. Davis was tempestuous personality, to say the least, and Cheadle seems to have captured that recklessness both onscreen and behind the camera. Multiple punches thrown are overshadowed by several gunshots that go off in the course of the two minute trailer; Miles Ahead promises to be electrifying at the very worst.
Cheadle’s directorial debut will examine the life and music of Davis as a whole, but will center on specific moments throughout the trumpeter’s being. Fictional Rolling Stone journalist Dave Braden (Ewan McGregor) looks to play a significant role in the film, as the pair are involved in a shootout towards the end of the trailer. Much of the film will explore the turbulent times of New York City in the seventies, rife with drug addiction in violence.
It’s too early to say for sure, but Miles Ahead has all the making of an excellent film. See for yourself when Miles Ahead arrives in theaters on April 1.
