'12 Years a Slave' Movie Trailer [VIDEO]: Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch & Michael Fassbender Star Opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor in True Story

In this adaptation of a harrowing true story based on the life of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was deceived and sold into slavery, director Steve McQueen brings the grit from his previous films (Hunger, Shame) to the historical travesty of slavery in the United States. Seasoned actor Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup and is joined by an incredible lineup of actors including Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Alfre Woodard, Dwight Henry, Quvenzhane Wallis, Lupita Nyongo, Scoot McNairy, Michael Kenneth Williams and Garret Dillahunt.

This film will undoubtedly make it into this year's Oscar race as you can tell from the following full-length trailer available right here:

Here is a synopsis of McQueen's 12 Years a Slave:

"12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life"

12 Years a Slave will hit theaters December 27 and will likely premier at the 2013 Venice Film Festival.

Director McQueen had used Michael Fassbender as his leading man in his past two films Hunger and Shame, but for obvious reasons he could not do that with his latest. Instead he makes him the antagonist, which will surely be a treat for McQueen fans.