It appears as if 2019 is the year of Renée Zellweger. First was the leading role in Netflix’s anthology series What/If, and now she is set to shine as the title character in the highly anticipated Judy Garland biopic Judy.
Adapted from the Peter Quilter musical, Judy takes place in the winter of 1968 as the showbiz legend prepares for a five-week sold-out run in London’s Talk of the Town nightclub. It’s been 30 years since her career-defining role as Dorthy in The Wizard of Oz, and though she has grown older, her voice still holds the attention of a room. As she prepares to entertain the masses, she must juggle management issues while she charms fellow musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans.
The film’s first full-length trailer spends a lot of time focusing in on Garland’s relationship with her children, a unique angle that many are likely unaware of as she works tirelessly to provide and be present in the lives of those who call her mom.
Zellweger appears to channel the “world’s greatest entertainer” with ease, and the film itself seems to screen Oscar bait. A Telluride or Toronto premiere is likely, with hopes of following in the same footsteps as last year’s A Star is Born.
Directed by Rupert Goold, Judy co-stars Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, and Michael Gambon and is set to hit theaters on September 27.
