Patricia Clarkson Champions Equal Pay in Striking Lilly Ledbetter Film Trailer!

Lilly Ledbetter’s legacy of activism is transitioning to the cinematic world.

To commemorate Equal Pay Day, March 25, PEOPLE is presenting the exclusive premiere of the initial trailer for Lilly, featuring Patricia Clarkson as the advocate for equal pay rights.

Helmed by Rachel Feldman, the biopic chronicles Ledbetter’s legal struggle with Goodyear, which escalated to the nation’s pinnacle court, the Supreme Court.

Ledbetter, who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 86, was employed at Goodyear Tire & Rubber for 19 years when she realized that her monthly wages were thousands of dollars less than her male colleagues performing the same role. 

“At times in life, you reach a pivotal moment,” Lilly declares in the trailer. While laboring on the factory floor at Goodyear, she cries out in agony following an injury. As a woman approaches to assist Lilly, a male colleague strolls by with a smirk, remarking, “Oh, you need to be more cautious, girl.”

“That was the moment for me,” Lilly reflects on her choice to pursue justice for the inequity and underpayment from Goodyear.

Her attorney John Goldfarb (Thomas Sadoski) advises Lilly that she must collect substantial proof to support her case — and once that is achieved, the battle commences.

The trailer hints at Lilly’s dramatic courtroom conflict, with a Goodyear employee describing her as “domineering” while providing testimony. When Lilly informs her spouse Charles (John Benjamin Hickey) that she has been suggested to “smile more” in court to appear more likable, he turns to her and insists, “Don’t you dare smile.”

Initially, Ledbetter triumphed in federal court, receiving $3.8 million in back wages and damages in 2003. However, this verdict was later overturned following an appeal by Goodyear.

The case arrived at the Supreme Court in 2007, where the justices decided 5-4 that Ledbetter should have lodged her lawsuit within 180 days of her first occurrence of unequal pay in comparison to her peers. As she neglected this timeframe, the court concluded she had no basis to proceed with her case.

Despite this defeat, Ledbetter evolved into a passionate champion for gender equality. Her efforts led to the first legislation signed by former President Barack Obama after he assumed office. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act facilitated the process for workers to take legal action upon discovering potential pay discrimination. 

Clarkson, 65, shares with PEOPLE that embodying the renowned activist’s “distinctive and universal” narrative is “a privilege.” The actress recounts that when her late mother, Jacquelyn Clarkson, a politician and councilwoman from New Orleans, learned Patricia would portray the historical character, she “began to cry.”

“I’m the youngest of five sisters … so you can understand how significant Lilly Ledbetter was,” Clarkson states. “When I informed my mother that I was portraying Lilly Ledbetter, she started crying and stated, ‘Oh my God, Patty. You’re going to portray a great American woman.’ ”

Clarkson further emphasizes that she has always “admired” Ledbetter and her influence.

“Lilly made tremendous sacrifices while working in that factory. She endured that grueling night shift and being paid 40 percent less was simply intolerable. She forfeited precious time with her children. She sacrificed moments with her husband, even when he was initially diagnosed and struggling. She lost invaluable time,” Clarkson expresses. “That is what fueled her. That’s the essence of the story.”

Clarkson mentions Ledbetter was “overjoyed” and “cherished” the film. Given her recent passing and significant legacy, Clarkson believes “people need to recognize what this woman accomplished for us.”

“Her activism is for each of us. We all stand on her shoulders. We must express our gratitude,” Clarkson states.

Lilly is set to be released in theaters on May 9.