The incredible true story of a free man sold into slavery before the Civil War is brought to light in the first trailer and poster for 12 Years a Slave. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Solomon Norhup, a black man who is abducted and obtained by a malevolent slave owner for 12 years, before meeting a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) who helps him retain his dignity and fight for his chance to live unchained. Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, and Michael K. Williams round out the all-star cast in director Steve McQueen's drama, in theaters October 18.

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.