Jackie Robinson biopic “42” opens April 12th, stars Chadwick Boseman

The highly anticipated biopic on Jackie Robinson, “42,” opens in theaters nationwide on April 12th. The film tells the story of how Robinson broke through the color barrier in Major League Baseball with the help of legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey’s stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball.

Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential”) wrote and directed the drama “42,” starring Chadwick Boseman (“The Express”) and Oscar® nominee Harrison Ford (“Witness”).

In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

In 1997, Major League Baseball retired the number 42 for all teams, making it the first number in sports to be universally retired. The only exception is April 15th—Jackie Robinson Day—commemorating the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. On that day alone, players from every team proudly wear Number 42 to honor the man who altered the course of history.

Since his name was linked to the project, Boseman’s life has changed dramatically. His previous roles have included small to medium roles in films like “The Express” in 2008, starring stints on television series like “Persons Unknown” and “Lincoln Heights” and one-time guest spots on shows like “Castle,” “Justified,” “Fringe” and “Lie to Me,” so this is easily the biggest role of the 37-year-olds career. Not only that, but it comes playing a person who is one of the most revered in history.

“I can’t really think of another character that I would want to play more than (Robinson),” Boseman said in a phone interview from Los Angeles. “When you talk about the effects of prejudice and historical figures, he is at the top of the list and it’s an honor to have the opportunity and the challenge of playing him.”

The weight of playing someone as iconic as Jackie Robinson didn’t really hit Boseman until he met the icon’s widow and much of the family. It was then, he said, that they showed him just what Robinson means to baseball, African-Americans and the country at large.

When he was introduced to the family, Boseman said that Jackie Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, wondered aloud about him. After all, who would be able to portray her husband with the same kind of understanding and reverence he deserves. Boseman said he sat down with Mrs. Robinson and the family for several hours talking about Robinson’s life, his mannerisms and his feelings about baseball and family. It was then that Rachel Robinson dropped a bombshell on his role that really put things into perspective.

“She said to me, ‘If we were going to do this movie before, Sidney Poitier would have played the role.’ ”

Talk about doubling up those big shoes to fill.

“So many people have a stake and their claim to Jackie Robinson,” Boseman said. “I mean, he is their hero and you don’t want to let them down in your portrayal of him. And you also realize that children in the future will know Jackie Robinson and might be introduced to him through a role you played and that is a big responsibility.”

He also spent hours in the film room pouring over hundreds of games courtesy of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Their footage of Jackie Robinson playing was invaluable and allowed Boseman to get into the character through footage that he had never seen before.

“42” opens April 12