Development and casting
On January 28, 2016, it was announced that Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal would reteam to make a film about the 1967 Detroit riot, with Bigelow directing from a script by Boal.[11] Both would also produce the film, along with Annapurna Pictures' Megan Ellison and Matthew Budman.[11] Game of Thrones actress Hannah Murray was cast in a "key role" in the film, although the character she would play was initially kept under wraps.[12] The film was scheduled to shoot in the summer of 2016, in order to be released in 2017—the 50th anniversary of the riot. John Boyega joined the cast on June 21, 2016;[13] Will Poulter, Jack Reynor, and Ben O'Toole on August 3;[14] Anthony Mackie on August 4;[15] and Jacob Latimore and Algee Smith on August 5;[16] Joseph David-Jones on August 8;[17] Kaitlyn Dever on August 30;[18] Jason Mitchell on September 9;[19] and John Krasinski on September 13.[20] In October, Jeremy Strong, Chris Chalk, Austin Hébert, Ephraim Sykes, Laz Alonso, Nathan Davis Jr., Malcolm David Kelley, Peyton Alex Smith, and Leon Thomas III all joined the cast of the film.[21]
Filming
It was reported at the end of July 2016 that the film had commenced principal photography in Boston during the previous week.[22][23] Scenes were filmed inside Dedham District Court,[24] as well as at other locations in Dorchester and Brockton, Massachusetts.[25] In addition, the movie filmed in Detroit during October 2016. The elimination of Michigan's film incentives in 2015 affected the filming locations that were used.[5][26]
Post-production
In May 2017, James Newton Howard was hired as the film's composer.[27] Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley released a song called "Teetroit" in July.[28] The Roots and Bilal recorded a song titled "It Ain't Fair", which plays during the film's end credits.[29]
