Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Octavia Spencer Make NASA History in 'Hidden Figures' Trailer

See the first trailer for 'Hidden Figures,' starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Octavia Spencer

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The first trailer for Hidden Figures, the untold story of three ingenious African American women who were the brains behind astronaut John Glenn's historic launch into the Earth's orbit in 1962, has finally arrived. Hidden Figures centers on brilliant mathematician Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) and her colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), as they help usher in the nation’s love affair with space travel while battling discrimination and shattering the glass ceiling.

In an interview with the New York Times back in May, Henson said she was excited about the role as a means of expanding the public's association of her with the iconic Empire character Cookie. "All of a sudden, it's the Cookie takeover," Henson told the Times. "And that's all anyone wants to remember." Katherine Johnson, Henson added, is a "regal" real-life character. "A quiet storm," Henson said. "That's what I call her."

'Hidden Figures' explores an untold NASA story

Pharrell Williams is a co-producer and co-composer on the project, bringing his unique musical vision to Hidden Figures alongside the legendary Hans Zimmer (Gladiator, The Lion King). "She knew I was going to lose my mind upon hearing about it," Williams told the Times. "And when I did, we got on the phone with everybody, and we begged." The Theodore Melfi-directed film also stars Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst, Glen Powell, and more.

Collidernotes that Hidden Figures will be hitting New York and Los Angeles in December for a pair of Academy Awards-qualifying screenings before opening across the nation Jan. 13, 2017. The verdict? This is one is definitely a must-see.

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