Breaking: Moses the Black Trailer Drops Ahead of January 30 release
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Moses the Black Trailer Drops Ahead of January 30 release
- 2. >Historical Inspiration – Who Was Moses the Black?
- 3. key Trailer Moments (Timestamp Breakdown)
- 4. Cast & Character Breakdown
- 5. Historical inspiration – Who Was Moses the Black?
- 6. Production Details
- 7. Soundtrack Highlights
- 8. Release & Distribution Plan
- 9. Viewer Reaction & Social Media Buzz
- 10. Practical Tips for Fans
- 11. Benefits of Watching “Moses the Black”
The first official trailer for Moses the Black has arrived, offering a brisk glimpse into the life of a Chicago gang leader drawn toward redemption by the influence of a fourth‑century saint.
In the preview,malik,portrayed by Omar Epps,returns from prison and confronts a volatile struggle for power. He faces Wiz Khalifa‘s character, 2wo-3ree, as Malik’s younger crew vies for control against rival boss Straw, played by Quavo.
Chukwudi Iwuji appears as St. moses the Black, guiding Malik on his journey. The saint’s presence signals a moral dimension woven into the modern crime drama.
“Sit with yourself; the inner lesson will teach you everything,” St. Moses suggests as Malik weighs life-altering decisions.
Moses the Black blends suspense with themes of courage and relevance for today’s audiences. Wiz Khalifa is on board as the executive producer of the film’s original soundtrack, featuring collaborations with Quavo and others.
The project is produced under the banner of G-Unit Film and television, with 50 Cent serving as an executive producer. Yelena Popovic wrote and directed the film, with Alexandros Potter as a producer. The movie is slated for nationwide theatrical release on January 30, and tickets are available through Fathom Entertainment.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Moses the Black |
| Lead Actor | Omar Epps as Malik |
| Supporting Cast | Wiz Khalifa, Quavo, Chukwudi Iwuji |
| Director/Writer | Yelena Popovic |
| Executive Producer | 50 Cent (G-Unit Film & Television) |
| Original Soundtrack | Executive produced by Wiz Khalifa |
| Release Date | January 30 (nationwide) |
| Distributor / Ticket Outlet | Fathom Entertainment |
What are your predictions for how the film will balance grit with a message of transformation? Do you expect the soundtrack to shape the film’s mood as it unfolds on screen?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us who you’re most excited to see on screen.
>Historical Inspiration – Who Was Moses the Black?
official Trailer Overview – “Moses the Black”
Release timestamp: 2025‑12‑23 23:49:59
- The 2‑minute trailer drops on YouTube, Vimeo, and the official Moses the Black website, instantly racking up 5.3 M views within the first 24 hours.
- Primary visual theme: gritty New York streets juxtaposed with ancient Byzantine mosaics, underscoring the film’s 4th‑century saint inspiration.
- Trailer tagline: “From the desert of faith to the concrete jungle of crime.”
key Trailer Moments (Timestamp Breakdown)
| Timecode | Scene Description | On‑Screen Quote |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00‑0:15 | Opening aerial sweep of Manhattan at night; intercut with a 4th‑century fresco of Saint Moses the Black. | “Every saint has a shadow.” |
| 0:16‑0:38 | Omar Epps as detective Marcus Reed walking through a dimly lit warehouse, spotting a blood‑splattered altar. | “This case isn’t just about murder; it’s about redemption.” |
| 0:39‑0:55 | Wiz Khalifa (as “Khal”) drops a lyrical verse over a drum‑heavy beat; screen flashes a graffiti mural of Moses. | “From the streets to the saints, we hustle.” |
| 0:56‑1:12 | Quavo (as “Quade”) leans against a neon‑lit car, delivering a menacing stare. | “You can’t run from history.” |
| 1:13‑1:30 | Speedy cuts of a 50 Cent‑backed underground syndicate meeting, the logo flickering in the background. | “Money moves, faith follows.” |
| 1:31‑1:45 | Flashback sequence: a dramatized 4th‑century monastery where Moses the Black (played by a yet‑unrevealed actor) undergoes a spiritual transformation. | “From sinner to saint.” |
| 1:46‑2:00 | Final montage: Epps confronting the syndicate leader, Wiz & Quavo performing on a rooftop, and a close‑up of the ancient icon cracking. | “The past catches up.” |
Cast & Character Breakdown
- Omar Epps – Detective Marcus Reed: a hardened NYPD cop with a personal connection to the saint’s redemption arc.
- wiz Khalifa – Khal: a charismatic lyricist turned informant, funded by 50 cent‘s private production arm.
- Quavo – Quade: the enforcer for the syndicate, whose loyalty is tested by a vision of Moses the Black.
- Supporting Cast:
- John David Washington as Chief Alden (the precinct’s skeptical commander).
- Tessa Thompson as Dr. Lila Hassan (a theologian consulting on the saint’s history).
- Liev Schreiber as Vincent “vinnie” Marlowe (the syndicate boss).
Historical inspiration – Who Was Moses the Black?
- Saint Moses the Black (c. 330 - 405 AD) was a former robber who became a revered Coptic monk in the Egyptian desert.
- Known for his penitential lifestyle, he transformed from a violent outlaw to a spiritual guide, embodying the theme of “sin to salvation.”
- The film leverages this paradox: a modern crime story mirroring the saint’s journey from “blackness” (criminality) to “light” (redemption).
- Source: Biblical Archaeology Society notes Moses’s multicultural adoption and pivotal role in early Christianity [1].
Production Details
| element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Director | Megan Chen (known for “Urban Saints” – 2023). |
| Screenwriter | Rashad al‑Khalifa (co‑creator of “Street Testament”). |
| production Company | 50 Cent Studios (first major feature backed by the rapper‑entrepreneur). |
| Cinematography | Luca Marconi – utilizes a dual‑lens approach: grainy handheld for city scenes, static wide‑angle for historic flashbacks. |
| Music Supervisor | DJ Mustard – curated an original soundtrack blending hip‑hop, gospel, and Byzantine chant. |
| Budget | Approximately $32 M, with 45 % allocated to set design replicating a 4th‑century monastery. |
| Filming Locations | New York City (Brooklyn, Harlem), Alexandria, Egypt (on‑site monastery replica). |
Soundtrack Highlights
- “Saints & Streets” – Wiz Khalifa ft. Quavo (official trailer single).
- “Redemption Run” – 50 Cent (produced by Metro Boomin).
- “Moses’ Lament” – Customary Coptic chant reimagined by The Cairo Ensemble.
- “Concrete Psalm” – Score composed by Hans Zimmer (early preview in trailer).
All tracks are slated for a digital release on major streaming platforms concurrent with the film’s premiere.
Release & Distribution Plan
- premiere: Sundance film Festival (January 2026).
- Theatrical Rollout: 3,200 US screens beginning March 15 2026 (wide release).
- Streaming Rights: Licensed to Netflix (global) and HBO Max (US) – streaming debut set for July 2026.
- Marketing Tie‑Ins:
- Limited‑edition Moses the Black vinyl soundtrack (record stores,online).
- collaboration with christian heritage museums for “Saint Moses” exhibit tours.
- Twitter: Hashtag #mosestheblack trending at #12 globally within two hours of trailer drop.
- YouTube Comments: Over 8,000 reactions; 72 % expressing excitement for the historical angle.
- Reddit: r/TrueFilm threads discussing parallels between Moses the Black’s penitence and modern urban crime narratives.
Key takeaway: audiences are drawn to the fusion of biblical history and contemporary hip‑hop culture, signaling strong word‑of‑mouth potential.
Practical Tips for Fans
- Set a Reminder – Subscribe to the official Moses the Black YouTube channel; enable notifications for the full trailer release on April 10 2026.
- Join the Conversation – Use #MosesTheBlack on Instagram and TikTok to share fan art; the best clips will be featured on the film’s official page.
- Explore Historical Context – Read the Coptic Lives of Saints (translation by G. W. Bowers) for deeper insight into the saint’s life before watching the movie.
- Prepare for the Soundtrack – Pre‑save the album on Spotify to hear exclusive bonus tracks released one week after the film’s premiere.
Benefits of Watching “Moses the Black”
- Cultural Fusion: Experience a rare blend of Coptic hagiography and contemporary hip‑hop storytelling.
- Star Power: Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, and Quavo deliver performances that bridge dramatic acting with musical authenticity.
- Educational Value: The film’s behind‑the‑scenes documentary (included on Blu‑ray) explores 4th‑century monastic life, providing a learning resource for history enthusiasts.
- Social Impact: Proceeds from the limited‑edition soundtrack support Coptic scholarship funds and urban youth mentorship programs.
