Warner Bros. is making ‘Just Mercy’ free to rent to encourage viewers to learn about ‘systemic racism’

Michael B. Jordan, left, and Jamie Foxx in a scene from the film “Just Mercy.” The 2019 film stars Michael B. Jordan as real-life civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson | Warner Bros. Pictures

The 2019 film stars Michael B. Jordan as real-life civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson

The 2019 film “Just Mercy,” based on the life of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, will be available to rent for free on streaming platforms during the month of June, following several nights of protests across the country against racial injustice and police brutality.

Warner Bros. announced that the film, which follows Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) as he defends Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx) from a wrongful murder conviction, would be free to watch “to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society,” in a tweet from the official “Just Mercy” Twitter account.

We believe in the power of story. #JustMercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society. For the month of June, #JustMercy will be available to rent for free on digital platforms in the US. @eji_org pic.twitter.com/3B2IHMNk7E

— Just Mercy (@JustMercyFilm) June 2, 2020

“To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today,” Warner. Bros said in a statement, as seen in the Twitter post.

Both Jordan and Foxx have spoken in the past about their hope that the film would lead viewers to action.

“I want people to feel something after they watch this movie,” Jordan told Entertainment Weekly ahead of the movie’s release. “I want them to go home and figure out what their ‘thing’ is. You don’t have to be some fancy, educated defense attorney to attack this issue. Each person can do something to be a part of the fight, to be a part of the change.”

“Just Mercy” will be available to rent for free until the end of June on streaming services like Amazon and YouTube.

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