Up-and-Comer Stephan James Steps Into the Giant Shoes of Jesse Owens in the First Trailer for RACE

Anytime Hollywood cares to consider someone less famous for an iconic role, I just want to turn to all those naysayers who think non-marquis names don't sell tickets and say "HI, HATER." I mean, let's not even get started on the uber success of Straight Outta Compton, whose only big name is Paul Giamatti.

Anyway, I was reminded of this when I saw the trailer for RACE, the upcoming biopic on track Olympian Jesse Owens. Stephan James, whose biggest role has been as John Lewis in Selma, steps into the giant shoes of a legend. I just hope that the film is enough to usher in the next great African-American movie star. I must admit, the fact that the writer team behind Frankie & Alice penned this screenplay is of major concern...

Also, is anyone else annoyed that the studio couldn't come up with a better, less generic title, than Race?

More on the film below:

Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. “Race” is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.

Watch the trailer:

RACE hits theaters nationwide February 19, 2016.