”Rustin” is currently in production and is expected to continue filming in the Pittsburgh area through mid- December. Here’s everything we know about it so far:
Wait, how long have we known about this?
It was first revealed in August that “Rustin” would be shooting in Western Pennsylvania starting in late September. Pittsburgh Film Office director Dawn Keezer told the Post-Gazette at the time that “we’re very happy that Netflix decided to come again and with such a high-profile show for the region.”
What is ‘Rustin’ about?
The film is a biopic of Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. “Rustin” will chronicle the struggles he faced as he became such a prominent figure in this movement, ultimately putting together one of the most seminal events in American history.
Who is making ‘Rustin’?
“Rustin” is a Netflix movie that’s being produced by Bruce Cohen and Higher Ground Productions, which was founded by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2018.
Who is writing and directing ‘Rustin’?
There’s a lot of cinematic pedigree behind “Rustin.” It’s being written by Dustin Lance Black, who also penned the screenplay for the 2008 Harvey Milk biopic “Milk.” “Rustin” is being directed by George C. Wolfe, who was also in Pittsburgh a few years ago helming Netflix’s film adaptation of August Wilson’s 1982 play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” That film went on to win two Oscars at the 2021 Academy Awards.
Who is starring in ‘Rustin’?
On Oct. 5, the primary cast of “Rustin” was finally revealed to be:
• Colman Domingo (Cutler in “Ma Rainey”) as Bayard Rustin
• Glynn Turman (Toledo in “Ma Rainey”) as fellow March on Washington organizer A. Philip Randolph
• Chris Rock (“Fargo”) as former NAACP leader Roy Wilkins
• Audra McDonald (“The Good Fight”) as civil and human rights activist Ella Baker
On Oct. 18, Deadline reported that the cast had been expanded to also include:
• Aml Ameen (“I May Destroy You”) as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Carra Patterson (“Turner & Hooch”) as Coretta Scott King
• CCH Pounder (“NCIS: New Orleans”) as civil rights leader and educator Dr. Anna Hedgeman
• Michael Potts (Slow Drag in “Ma Rainey”) as labor organizer and activist Cleveland Robinson
• Bill Irwin (“Legion”) as clergyman and political activist A.J. Muste
• Adrienne Warren (“Orange is the New Black”) as Claudia Taylor
• Gus Halper (“Fear the Walking Dead”) as Tom
• Johnny Ramey (“Poz Roz”) as Elias
• Da'Vine Joy Randolph (“Only Murders in the Building”) in an unspecified role
Hold up, how many “Ma Rainey” alumni are back for “Rustin”?!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in thinking that “Rustin” has essentially turned into a “Ma Rainey” reunion in the Steel City. Every member of Ma’s band (besides the late Chadwick Boseman, of course) will be back for “Rustin” alongside Wolfe. Clearly, they all had so much fun here the first time that they couldn’t stay away for long!
Is “Rustin” looking for local extra?
Why, yes it is! Atlanta-based Rose Locke Casting is in charge of finding Western Pennsylvanians to populate the cinematic world of “Rustin.” Locke has been trying to find enough extras for a recreation of the March on Washington since August.
“We’re re-creating and telling a story of a civil rights icon that so many people don’t know about and that all Americans should learn about, especially in the time that we’re living in right now,” Locke told the Post-Gazette. “These are the stories that Higher Ground wants to tell, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
What locations have “Rustin” filmed in around the Pittsburgh region?
“Rustin” was filming in the East End on Thursday with vintage cars spotted on and around Craig Street. Check back here for more information on where “Rustin” is shooting during its Western Pennsylvania production.
Production updates (11/5/21)
The Netflix film production of “Rustin” will close down two roads on Nov. 8:
▪ Ross Street Downtown between Forbes Avenue and Fourth Avenue from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
▪ Smithfield Street between Fifth Avenue and Oliver Avenue from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Some of the area’s parking will be restricted during filming.
Joshua Axelrod: jaxelrod@post-gazette.com and Twitter @jaxelburgh.
First Published: October 18, 2021, 8:16 p.m.
Updated: November 5, 2021, 7:02 p.m.
