SLAY THE DREAMER is a historically grounded, taut thriller based on true events that examines the assassination of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and a largely unknown investigation that followed. Drawing on documented sources, testimony, and historical research, the film explores the questions that emerged in the aftermath of Dr. King’s death and the broader social, political, and moral context of that moment.

Through the lens of this investigation, the film engages with the core principles of Dr. King’s work—nonviolence, racial justice, economic equality, and civic responsibility—inviting reflection on how history is recorded, how power shapes narrative, and why unresolved questions continue to matter today.

Slay The Dreamer is directed by Joshua Michael Stern, whose previous work includes Jobs, starring Ashton Kutcher and J.K. Simmons; Swing Vote, starring Kevin Costner; and Neverwas, starring Sir Ian McKellen.

The film is produced by Elizabeth Fowler, whose recent credits include Official Secrets, starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, and Devil's Knot, starring Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth. Acclaimed actor Harold Perrineau, currently starring in From, is also producing.

As previously reported by Deadline, Josh Lucas is set to star in the leading role of Jeff Jenkins—a man born into privilege who is forced to confront the meaning of his life as he becomes drawn into an unsettling inquiry that challenges his understanding of power, responsibility, and truth.

The film is in pre-production, with additional A list casting to be announced.