First Look at Michael Fassbender, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Twelve Years A Slave'

After two emotionally tough dramas in Hunger and Shame, both starring Michael Fassbender, it's hard to believe that Steve McQueen is taking on a film that promises to be even more harsh. But that's exactly what's happening with Twelve Years A Slave, and what's more it's based on a true story. Produced by and co-starring Brad Pitt, with Chiwetel Ejiofor in the lead role of Solomon Northrup, the film chronicles Northrup's twelve year ordeal as a free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. It's bound to be powerful stuff, and with a supporting cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Michael Fassbender, Dwight Henry and Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, and Michael K. Williams, the film has a cast to die for.

The first photos have been released via USA Today, and if anything they show this is not going to be a sugar-coated, easy look at slavery in the deep south. We see a couple of images of Fassbender as Edwin Epps, a cruel plantation owner who forces Northrup to dole out punishment to other slaves. Cumberbatch is Northrup's first owner, William Ford, while Henry is Uncle Abram, an older slave. Pitt's role is small but pivotal, as he plays carpenter Saul Bass, the man who finally notifies Northrup's family of his whereabouts.

The film is based on Northrup's autobiography, which is an extremely tough read because of the incredible hardships he endures. Be prepared for a film that is probably going to haunt you for awhile. Twelve Years A Slave will hit theaters on December 27th.