Sterling K. Brown's Washington Black Trailer Just Dropped and It's Giving Prestige Drama With a Side of Steampunk

If you thought your summer watchlist was looking a little dry, Hulu just hit the refresh button in a big way. Enter Washington Black, the hotly anticipated limited series starring Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown, whose trailer has officially dropped — and let’s just say, it's not your average period piece.

Based on the award winning novel by Esi Edugyan, Washington Black blends historical drama with thrilling adventure, character driven storytelling, and just enough steampunk whimsy to make you sit up and say, “Wait, did that kid just fly off in a balloon?” Spoiler alert: Yes, he did.

Here’s why everyone is talking about this trailer and why you’re going to want to binge this series the second it hits Hulu.

Sterling K. Brown Steps Into the Spotlight (Again)

Sterling K. Brown is no stranger to powerhouse roles. From This Is Us to American Crime Story, the man knows how to carry a show on his shoulders. In Washington Black, Brown does double duty as both lead actor and executive producer, proving that he’s not just showing up to act — he’s shaping the story behind the scenes too.

In the trailer, Brown plays Medwin Harris, a mysterious and progressive leader who becomes a mentor to young George Washington "Wash" Black, a boy born into slavery on a Barbados plantation. Medwin is sharp, forward thinking, and fully ready to break the rules of 19th century society, which obviously makes him our new favorite character.

What Is Washington Black Actually About?

So glad you asked. This is where things get interesting. At first glance, Washington Black might sound like another historical slavery drama, but it quickly takes a hard left turn into adventure territory.

The plot follows Wash, a young enslaved boy with a natural gift for science and art, who escapes his plantation under harrowing circumstances. What follows is an international journey spanning deserts, Arctic snowfields, bustling cities, and remote wilderness — all while Wash tries to figure out who he is, and what freedom actually means.

We’re talking hot air balloons, scientific inventions, philosophical musings, and found family. Think 12 Years a Slave meets Around the World in 80 Days, but with way better costumes and fewer white saviors.

Meet the Cast Bringing Washington Black to Life

In addition to Sterling K. Brown absolutely chewing the scenery (in the best way), the series stars Ernest Kingsley Jr. as adult Wash Black and Eddie Karanja as young Wash. The two actors portray different stages of Wash’s life, and based on the trailer, both are bringing major emotional depth to the role.

The cast also includes:

• Tom Ellis (Lucifer)

• Rupert Graves (Sherlock)

• Iola Evans, Edward Bluemel, and Sharon Duncan Brewster

Let’s be honest — any show that can snag talent from Sherlock, Star Wars, and This Is Us is doing something right.

The Trailer Delivers Big Cinematic Energy

The just released trailer wastes no time throwing us into the deep end. We get a glimpse of lush Caribbean landscapes, the raw brutality of slavery, and the sheer scope of Wash’s escape. Then things get a little... airborne.

Yes, there’s a moment where Wash escapes in a hot air balloon invention. The visuals are rich, the music is swelling, and if you’re not already sold, Brown’s voiceover promising transformation and flight should do the trick.

Did we mention this all happens before the halfway mark of the trailer? Yeah. Buckle up.

Why Washington Black Matters Right Now

Let’s be real: Prestige period dramas are everywhere. But Washington Black stands out by weaving in themes of identity, belonging, and liberation without being preachy or self important. It gives space for Black imagination, agency, and brilliance — and does so while still managing to look cool as hell.

Also, in a TV landscape filled with tired remakes and overdone franchises, this series offers something different. It’s based on a critically acclaimed novel, it’s led by one of the most respected actors on television, and it dares to blend genres in ways that actually work.

When and Where to Watch

The entire eight episode limited series of Washington Black drops Wednesday July 23 2025 exclusively on Hulu for US viewers and Disney Plus internationally. Yes, all episodes drop at once. Yes, that means it’s basically made for your next weekend binge.

Should You Watch It? Absolutely.

If the trailer is anything to go by, Washington Black is about to be your next obsession. It has heart, adventure, and just enough rebellious energy to make it stand out in a sea of sleepy period dramas. Sterling K. Brown clearly knows what he's doing, and this series looks like it's going to leave a mark.

So go ahead and watch that trailer again (you know you want to). Then mark your calendar for July 23. Freedom has never looked this good.

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