When John Boyega and Michael K. Williams filmed “Breaking” together last summer, neither knew it would be one of Williams’ final onscreen roles. Shortly after “Breaking” wrapped production last August, Williams died of an accidental drug overdose. His death gives a movie with an already riveting premise an extra emotional layer.
READ MORE: ‘Breaking’ Trailer: John Boyega & Michael K. Williams Star In A New Crime Thriller
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Boyega recalled what it was like working with Williams on the film. “I actually requested him to be in this movie, and he came through,” Boyega said. “[He] got paid peanuts just to be a part of the art, so we’ll forever love you, brother.” Based on a true story from 2017, “Breaking” stars Boyega as Brian Brown-Easley, a Marine Veteran who takes an Atlanta bank hostage after Veteran Affairs denies him financial support. Williams plays the cop tasked with taking Brown-Easley down.
Shortly after Williams’s death, Boyega also talked with the Los Angeles Times about working with the actor. “I’m really glad I got the chance to work with him, especially in his last days, and see his artistry,” Boyega told the paper. “[He was] very positive on set. A good, bubbly guy. And at the same time just effortless with his humility.”
Williams’ death stemmed from an overdose on heroin and cocaine laced with fentanyl last September in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In February, police arrested four men they believe connected to Williams’ death.
Williams also posthumously stars in Anthony Mandler‘s “Surrounded,” about a female buffalo soldier disguised as a man who evades a dangerous outlaw and his gang on her travels. Despite filming in late 2020, there’s no release date yet for “Surrounded.”
“Breaking,” formerly titled “892,” had its world premiere at Sundance in January. Bleecker Street promptly snatched distribution rights for the film, prepping it for a late summer release. Abi Damaris Corbin directs the film, which she co-writes with Kwame Kwei-Armah. In addition to Boyega and Williams, the film also stars Nicole Beharie, Robb Derringer, Selenis Leyva, and Connie Britton.
“Breaking” hits theaters next month on August 26. Watch the trailer below.
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