You wouldn’t want to be across the table from Sanaa Lathan in an interrogation room. The trailer for CBS Films and Lionsgate’s adaptation, American Assassin released on Tuesday (Apr. 18), and Lathan is one bada** woman in power as CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy.
In the two-minute teaser, the camera zeroes in on Lathan’s faces as she interrogates Black Ops recruit Mitch Rapp (The Maze Runner’s Dylan O’Brien) about the terrorist attack that took his girlfriend’s life. The actress barely cracks a smile as she asks him to recall every tragic moment that happened on that day. And as Lathan’s character continues to investigate the string of seemingly random attacks on military and civilian bases, she leaves Rapp in the hands of Cold War vet, Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton). With a band of rookies, the team must train for a fight, while narrowly avoiding some explosive situations.
American Assassin is adapted from the New York Times bestselling book series by Vincent Flynn. “Vince Flynn created a universe populated by complex yet relatable characters who inspired millions of fans the world over,”film director Michael Cuesta said in a previous statement. He also said his praises of Lathan has the lead actress in the film. “To have an actress of Sanaa Lathan’s depth and intensity step into the role of Kennedy while simultaneously having the opportunity to introduce audiences to the extraordinary talent of Shiva Negar, means that Flynn’s vision of powerful but believable individuals remains the foundation of American Assassin,” he added.
Lathan definitely has a knack for portraying roles of power, particular within the crime and thriller genres. The actress currently plays the lead as Ashe Akino in the racially-charged drama series Shots Fired on Fox. She’s also played the Deputy Director in 2016’s magic suspense movie, Now You See Me 2.
An official release date for American Assassin has not been released, but production is reportedly eyeing for a Sept. 2017 roll out. Check out the trailer below.