Sterling K. Brown Stars in ‘Washington Black’: First Thrilling Trailer Drops for Hulu’s New Series

What do an octopus, an airship, the Underground Railroad, and an award-winning star from This Is Us have in common? They all make appearances in the debut trailer for Hulu’s upcoming series Washington Black.

The preview, available for viewing below, introduces the 19th-century epic adventure series, which is adapted from the popular novel by Esi Edugyan.

In the trailer, we meet George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old born into slavery on a sugar plantation in Barbados. Wash’s innate grasp of scientific principles “puts him on a path of unforeseen destiny,” according to the show’s official description. “Following a traumatic event that compels Wash to escape, he embarks on a worldwide journey that tests and transforms his views on family, freedom, and love. As Wash traverses unknown territories against all odds, he musters the bravery to envision a life outside the societal bounds that were predetermined for him.”

Ernest Kingsley Jr. (The Sandman) and Eddie Karanja (The Sandman) portray Wash at different stages of his life. Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us, Paradise), who also serves as an executive producer, assumes the role of Medwin Harris, a beloved and fiercely protective member of the Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The series also stars Tom Ellis (Lucifer), Rupert Graves (Sherlock), Iola Evans (The 100), Edward Bluemel (Sex Education), and Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Sex Education).

Hulu plans to release all eight episodes of Washington Black on Wednesday, July 23. Check out the poster below and share your thoughts: Will you be tuning in?