The Book of Clarence Trailer Previews Biblical Epic Starring LaKeith Stanfield

The first trailer for The Book of Clarence previews a biblical epic that sees LaKeith Stanfield transforming himself into a literal Messiah.

Sony Pictures Entertainment released the first trailer for The Book of Clarence. The film is written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, marking his second feature film following 2021’s The Harder They Fall.

Watch the trailer for The Book of Clarence below:

What is The Book of Clarence about? 

“From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Biblical-era epic,” the official synopsis reads. “Streetwise but down-on-his-luck, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out. The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, JAY-Z, and more.”

The Book of Clarence is produced by Samuel, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, James Lassiter, and Tendo Nagenda. Along with Stanfield, the film stars Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Tyler, David Oyelowo, Michael Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James McAvoy, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Samuel previously compared The Book of Clarence to other biblical epics such as The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur when speaking with Deadline in May 2022.

“You remember those biblical epics, whether they were about the Bible or just taking place around it, from The Ten Commandments to The Greatest Story Ever Told, Samson and Delilah and Ben-Hur, which runs alongside all that stuff in the Bible,” he said. “As will be The Book of Clarence, a full fun-filled extravaganza.”

The Book of Clarence releases exclusively in theaters in the United States on January 12, 2024.