TriStar and Legendary have released the much-anticipated first trailer for Jeymes Samuel’s sophomore feature, a sprawling biblical epic titled The Book of Clarence.

In The Book of Clarence, LaKeith Stanfield’s titular character is a down on his luck Jerusalemite struggling to secure a better life for his family and settle his debts. In pursuit of his goals, Clarence embarks on a misguided attempt to capitalise on the rise of celebrity and influence the rising Messiah and His apostles. While risking everything to carve his own path to a divine life, he ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out. The trailer suggests that Samuel’s signature blend of comedy, witty commentary, and an unbeatable soundtrack will very much form the basis of this coming film.

In addition to Stanfield, the feature stars Omar Sy, RJ Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Nicholas Pinnock, Micheal Ward, Chase Dillon, Tom Glynn-Carney and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.

Ever the multi-hyphenate, The Book of Clarence is directed, written, produced and composed by BAFTA winner Samuel. He’s also producing the film alongside Tendo Nagenda, James Lassiter, and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, the latter two of whom collaborated with Samuel on The Harder They Fall. 

The Book of Clarence is due to release in cinemas on January 12th, 2024. Watch the trailer below: