Donald Glover Takes the Director’s Chair and Stars as 21 Savage in New Film Trailer Featuring Fresh Music, Natasha Lyonne, and an Ensemble Cast
Rapper 21 Savage makes a triumphant return, revealing a compelling trailer for a potential film titled “American Dream: The 21 Savage Story.” The movie delves into the memoir of his 2019 incarceration by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a consequence of the then-president Trump’s crackdown on undocumented citizens. Originally from the U.K. but raised in Atlanta, Savage’s arrest sparked the “Free 21 Savage” movement, leading to his release and permission to stay in the country. Shared on Sunday night, a teaser image features Donald Glover and Caleb McLaughlin embodying Savage, complete with his distinctive face tattoos.
The trailer, directed by Glover, his brother Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori, and Fam Udeorji, showcases new music from the Grammy-winning artist. Although Savage’s last solo album was “I Am > I Was” in 2018, he has since collaborated on albums like “Savage Mode II” with Metro Boomin in 2020 and “Her Loss” with Drake in 2022, while also embarking on extensive tours. With a Grammy win for “A Lot” and five nominations at the upcoming ceremony, Savage co-headlined Drake’s “It’s All a Blur” tour last year.
In “American Dream,” McLaughlin portrays a young Savage, navigating school bullying before turning to rap and tattoos, while Donald takes on the role during a personal crisis, collaborating with Metro Boomin. The narrative takes a dramatic turn with an ICE raid and a court appearance. Ultimately, Savage triumphs, earning a Grammy, receiving a knighthood from Natasha Lyonne, and recounting the origin of the moniker “21 Savage.”
The star-studded trailer features Victoria Pedretti from “Haunting of Hill House” and Young Mazino from “Beef” as Savage’s lawyers, alongside Chad Lindberg, Gail Bean, and internet comedian Druski. Produced by Tara Razavi and Udeorji, the trailer concludes with a tentative release date in theaters on “Independence Day,” accompanied by a Lionsgate logo, leaving uncertainty about the existence of the full feature film.