Fox Searchlight has today released a trailer for their upcoming Belle, set to hit theaters on May 2, 2014. Directed by Amma Asante and written by Misan Sagay, Belle features Gugu Mbatha-Raw in her first starring role along with Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode.
Belle is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Wilkinson) and his wife (Watson), Belles lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicars son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfields role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.