Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE Starring Lupita Nyong’o

This post will have all the official news, images, and trailers for Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE starring Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.   Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.  Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE opens in theaters September 23, 2016.  Continue reading for more details, images, news, and trailers from Walt Disney Studios.

Update May 10, 2016

First trailer, poster, and images released for Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE.

Queen Of Katwe

For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads.

QUEEN OF KATWE

(L-R): Madina Nalwanga and Lupita Nyong’o, photo by Edward Echwalu © 2015 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential. Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling. She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments, but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family.

Queen of Katwe

(L-R): Madina Nalwanga and Lupita Nyong’o, photo by Edward Echwalu © 2015 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

Original post from August 19 follows below.

Queen Of Katwe

Actress Lupita Nyong’o of QUEEN OF KATWE and President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey at the D23 EXPO (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

From Walt Disney Studios Press Release

At the D23 Expo, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey, with the help of Lupita Nyong’o, introduced the crowd to the upcoming film QUEEN OF KATWE, which is based on the inspirational true story of a girl from the poverty-stricken slums of rural Uganda who dreams of becoming a champion chess player. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler based on the book by Tim Crothers, QUEEN OF KATWE stars Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

Queen Of Katwe

Actress Lupita Nyong’o of QUEEN OF KATWE at the D23 EXPO 2015 (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Queen Of Katwe

President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey at the D23 EXPO (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

 

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About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.