After quite some time out of the spotlight, Donald Glover–who reportedly is the first choice to play Lando Calrissian in the forthcoming Han Solo film–is gradually returning to the fold in anticipation of his melancholy comedy/drama on FX, Atlanta.
Because we have only seen the artfully done teasers featuring Donald Glover walking backwards, this trailer is our first introduction into some of the characters, themes, tones, and music of Atlanta. The first scene of the trailer features Ernest “Earn” Marks (Glover) very sweetly spending time with his significant other Van (Zazie Beetz), with whom he shares a daughter and evidently a lot of relationship issues. As a very compelling trap beat plays–a longstanding staple of Atlanta hip-hop–we are introduced to Earn’s cousin, rising rapper Paperboy (Brian Tyree Henry), whom Earn is trying to manage before he gets signed to a major label. Based on this trailer alone, it looks like Atlanta is going to tackle the theme of what constitutes a family, and how best to provide for each one you have without burning yourself out.
As we see mostly dramatic moments that are shot with a super keen eye, the moments of levity–Earn stealing a cup of soda at a soda fountain or Earn sarcastically telling his young child that her living situation is healthy for her–stand out, as Glover’s temperament malleably shifts from somber to silly.
Given Glover’s history as rapper Childish Gambino and the music selections for the show we’ve heard thus far (Tame Impala’s “New Person Same Ol Mistakes”) I have a very solid feeling that the music featured on the show is going to be stellar. In other words, we feel confident that Atlanta will look as good as it sounds and vice versa.
Atlanta debuts on FX September 6.
Are you as excited for Donald Glover’s new show as we are? Spit some verses about it in the comments and on Twitter.
Image: FX
Matt Grosinger is the music editor of Nerdist and is so so so stoked for Atlanta to premiere
