‘American Crime Story: The People v O.J. Simpson’ Trailer Released Online
The first official trailer for the upcoming TV series American Crime Story: The People vs O.J. Simpson was released online Wednesday.
Most fans and critics that have been waiting to see the ensemble of actors and actresses portraying their respective roles in this saga were pleased to see them appearing in character throughout the one-minute clip.
WATCH: First full-length trailer for @MrRPMurphy‘s O.J. Simpson #AmericanCrimeStory https://t.co/vXaNrZY8t9 pic.twitter.com/ldMT9EH0av
— Variety (@Variety) December 2, 2015
Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as O.J. Simpson, the NFL legend and actor that eventually became acquitted of two murders, including the death of his former wife Nicole.
Back in October, at the red carpet premiere of American Horror Story, Cuba Gooding, Jr. told Variety that he had not yet felt the pressure of portraying the man connected to one of the most controversial verdicts in U.S. history.
“I probably will when it’s all said and done for people to watch it, but when I’m in it, I’m in it. It’s a character. You have to be the character and be confident. But yeah, reflecting on it, I will be hoping that the intent of what Ryan Murphy wanted to create in the story comes through. And I think it will, because no one pays attention to detail like this guy.”
Gooding further identified the vast number of resources that he was able to use while researching O.J. Simpson and preparing to play the role of the currently incarcerated celebrity and former NFL star.
“It’s a minutia of watching tapes and reading interviews and watching video. Usually, when you prepare for a role, you can spend weeks or months and then when you do it, you’re pretty much in it. But this is like, everyday, they’re like, ‘Oh, [he] did a workout video.’ … Everyday there’s something.”
This is not the first time that Cuba Gooding, Jr. has taken an acting role portraying a real-life person in a story that was based on true accounts. The 47-year-old actor played Carl Brashear in the 2000 film Men of Honor, which also starred Robert De Niro.
Nearly one year later, he played Petty Officer Doris “Dorie” Miller in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Kate Beckingsale, and Josh Hartnett. Cuba also played the title role in the 2003 Mike Tollin-directed movie Radio, a film that focused on a mentally challenged young man nicknamed Radio and his bond with a high school football coach (played by Ed Harris).
This Oj Simpson movie should be good. Since Cuba gooding Jr. Is in it ?
—. (@kiadotkom) November 29, 2015
I’m so excited for the OJ Simpson movie cause Cuba Gooding Jr. is playing him which automatically means it will be great
— C (@vanilllasun) November 22, 2015
In American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, Cuba Gooding, Jr. is apparently surrounded by yet another impressive ensemble cast of talented actors and actresses. David Schwimmer and Selma Blair star in the 10-episode series as Rob and Kris Kardashian. Courtney B. Vance, John Travolta, and Sarah Paulson star as Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro, and Marcia Clark in the Ryan Murphy-produced series as well.
david schwimmer IS robert kardashian selma blair IS kris jenner pic.twitter.com/ANYoQ4KtqO — steph davidson (@stephcd) May 27, 2015
In his interview with Variety, Gooding referred to the caliber of acting among such talented people as equivalent to playing with a championship NBA team.
“It’s like playing basketball with the Lakers. You got to have your best game because everyone around you is better than you… On this set, if you don’t come with your A+ game, you’re going to get blown over. You really will.”
Cuba Gooding, Jr. will debut his portrayal of O.J. Simpson on the small-screen when American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson premieres on FX Tuesday, February 2.
[Image Credit: Valerie Macon & AFP/Getty Images]
