The new Hulu series, described as a nine-episode adventure based on a 2018 novel by Canadian author Esi Edugyan, is set in the 19th century. The story focuses on George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old boy who escapes a sugar plantation in Barbados after a harrowing death puts his own life in danger.

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Per Variety, Ellis’ character Titch is a lovable and eccentric steampunk inventor who hides his inner insecurities behind a happy-go-lucky attitude. Following a disturbing death at his family’s sugar plantation, Titch embarks on an extraordinary journey all around the world alongside George Washington Black. The experience forces him to become Wash’s mentor and father figure —though Titch soon comes to understand that he’s unfit for the role, as he’s constantly chasing the shadow of his own father. That realization not only jeopardizes his and Wash’s bond but also endangers their lives.

Ellis’ most recently starred as Lucifer Morningstar in the Netflix comedy-drama series Lucifer, which released its 6th and final season on September 10th, 2021. The show originally aired for three seasons on Fox before it was unexpectedly canceled in 2018. However, Lucifer was picked up by Netflix merely a month later thanks to the tireless efforts from fans, who pushed back against the cancelation through the #SaveLucifer campaign.

In addition to Ellis, Washington Black stars Ernest Kingsley Jr. as the title character and Sterling K. Brown as Medwin Harris, a Black refugee in Nova Scotia who traveled the world after enduring multiple traumatic experiences as a child and who takes Wash under his wing. Rounding out the cast are newcomer Eddie Karanja, Iola Evans, Edward Bluemel, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster. Besides starring in the show, Brown will also be serving as executive producer alongside Anthony Hemingway, showrunner Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, and directors Wanuri Kahiu and Mo Marable.

Unfortunately, Washington Black’s release date remains unclear, though it’s likely going to air in late 2022 or 2023, as filming won’t start until later this year. Meanwhile, Hulu has been busy with other projects. The streaming service recently dropped the first three episodes of the highly-anticipated miniseries Pam and Tommy, which tells the real story behind Pamela Anderson and ex-husband Tommy Lee’s infamous stolen tape scandal.

Washington Black will premiere on Hulu.

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Source: Variety