Here's The First Look At British-Nigerian Actress, Cynthia Erivo As Harriet Tubman

Last year, Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner, Cynthia Erivo was cast to play legendary abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, who brought hundreds of slaves to freedom in the 19th century, in an upcoming biopic. The biopic, Harriet, also stars Janelle Monae, Deborah Ayorinde, Zackary Momoh.

In a series of photos exclusively obtained by People, we get our first glimpse of Erivo as Harriet Tubman, and the Widows star has made an incredible and complete transformation into the historical figure.

Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in Harriet (Photo: Glen Wilson/Focus Features)

Speaking to People about the movie, Erivo said:

“It’s a new way of looking at Harriet. She was a hero, and now we get to really tell her story because we haven’t really heard her story. It’s been long overdue.

I don’t think she set out to be a superhero.I think she just set out to do the right thing.”

And touching on the similarities between her and Harriet Tubman, which further endeared her to the role, Erivo said:

“I knew she was small like me. I knew she was 5′, or 4’11”. It fascinated me because I realize this woman was extraordinary because she was small and like me in every sense of the word.”

While preparing for the role, Erivo dove into history to learn even more about Tubman, and even paid a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. We are certain the British-Nigerian actress will do an outstanding job.

Harriet will open in cinemas in late 2019.