In November 2025, Amazon MGM Studios will release an often-forgotten part of American history in the inspirational story, Sarah's Oil. The faith-based production offers a perfect meld of historically true events and the inspirational fortitude of a young girl. The film features performances by three actors from The Walking Dead universe.
Led by Zachary Levi and Naya Desir-Johnson, the story is based on Tonya Bolden's book Searching for Sarah Rector. The film is directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and follows the incredible story of an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, Sarah Rector. The young girl would become one of America's youngest millionaires at the tender age of 11.
Born to parents of African American and Creek Indian heritage, Sarah Rector lived in an era ripe with racial prejudice and economic hardship, which, sadly, was common for people of color in the early 20th Century.
In 1907, she was allotted 160 acres of what was deemed worthless land in the Oklahoma Territory. This was part of the Dawes Act, which gave families Native American Tribal lands. But the young girl believed there was oil beneath it, and her unwavering faith fueled her desire to make a better life as she trusted God to see her dream come true.
"It was a story of faith and hope and perseverance and strength. And I thought that this was a story that everyone should know."Zachary Levi
Sarah and her family never gave up hope, and eventually her land would produce 2,500 barrels of oil per day. Her daily income was estimated to be $300 a day, equal to approximately $8,000 a day in the present day.
Levi and Desir-Johnson are joined by Walking Dead actors Sonequa Martin-Green and Kenric Green,
who are married in real life. They portray Sarah's parents, Rose and Joe Rector. In TWD, Martin-Green portrayed Sasha, and Green played Scott. Additionally, Fear the Walking Dead actor Garret Dillahunt portrays Devnan, one of the greedy oil tycoons who want Sarah's land.
Other cast members include Vincent D'Onofrio, Mel Rodriguez, Bridget Regan, and Stelio Savante.
The movie was filmed primarily in Okmulgee, Okalahoma and is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 7.
Martin-Green is well known for her role as Captain Michael Burnham in all five seasons of Star Trek: Discovery. Recently, she starred in the war comedy-drama My Dead Friend Zoe.
Green also appeared in Star Trek: Discovery as Michael Burnham Sr., father of Martin-Green's character. He is also known for his work in Hawaii Five-0, The Originals, and more.
Dillahunt can currently be seen as Lieutenant Melon in the Hulu comedy High Potential. His other more recent projects include Hysteria! and Hightown.