David Oyelowo takes on the Wild West in the highly anticipated anthology series, “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” created by Taylor Sheridan and coming soon to Paramount+. Oyelowo not only stars as Reeves, but also serves as an executive producer, bringing justice to the post-Reconstruction era as the real-life former slave turned law enforcement official. With over 3,000 dangerous criminals captured in Indian Territory (now known as Oklahoma), Reeves’ story is one of bravery and determination.
In the teaser clip and images released, we get a first look at Oyelowo in his role as the legendary lawman, as well as glimpses of Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn, the US deputy marshal who recruits Reeves, and Lauren E. Banks as Jennie, Reeves’ wife. The star-studded cast also includes Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, and Donald Sutherland, making it a must-watch eight-episode season. Sheridan, along with fellow executive producer and showrunner Chad Feehan, worked together to bring this captivating series to life.
Despite being a fan of westerns, Oyelowo confessed in a recent interview that he was initially unaware of Reeves’ extraordinary story. As he delved into researching the character, he couldn’t believe that such a remarkable figure had been overlooked in the world of TV shows and films. This fueled his determination to bring the story of Bass Reeves to the screen.
While Reeves has made appearances in recent years, including in films like “The Harder They Fall” and shows like “Watchmen,” the Paramount+ series promises a comprehensive exploration of his life. The series will begin with Reeves’ life as an enslaved man who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War before finding his path to freedom. Oyelowo reflects on the nature of justice, questioning if breaking free from unjust circumstances can truly be deemed unlawful.
The themes explored in “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” are timely, delving into the defining moments of America’s history through the eyes of one Black man and his family. It is a story that challenges our understanding of justice and resilience. Be sure to catch the premiere of “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” on Paramount+ this fall, and don’t forget to sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s newsletter for the latest TV news and exclusive content.