Rapper 21 Savage stages a compelling return, unveiling a tantalizing trailer for a prospective film titled “American Dream: The 21 Savage Story.” The cinematic narrative delves into the memoir of his 2019 encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a consequence of the aggressive stance on undocumented citizens during the Trump era. Originally hailing from the U.K. but raised in Atlanta, 21 Savage’s arrest triggered the “Free 21 Savage” movement, leading to his eventual release and permission to remain in the country. Shared on a Sunday night, a captivating teaser image showcases Donald Glover and Caleb McLaughlin transforming into 21 Savage, adorned with his iconic face tattoos.
Glover, along with his brother Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori, and Fam Udeorji, directs the trailer, offering a glimpse into new music from the Grammy-winning artist. Despite his solo album “I Am > I Was” released in 2018, 21 Savage has remained active, contributing to collaborative albums like “Savage Mode II” with Metro Boomin in 2020 and “Her Loss” with Drake in 2022, in addition to embarking on extensive tours. With a Grammy win for “A Lot” and five nominations at the upcoming ceremony, 21 Savage also co-headlined Drake’s “It’s All a Blur” tour last year.
In “American Dream,” McLaughlin portrays a young 21 Savage, navigating school challenges before turning to rap and tattoos, while Donald takes on the role during a personal crisis, collaborating with Metro Boomin. The storyline takes a dramatic turn with an ICE raid and a court appearance. Ultimately, 21 Savage triumphs, earning a Grammy, receiving a knighthood from Natasha Lyonne, and revealing 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 21 Savage’s legal team, 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 a sense of anticipation about the existence of the full-length feature film.