From an interview with director Steve McQueen.
McQUEEN I met Brad [Pitt, co-founder of Plan B] and he was very receptive. He didn’t blink.
GARDNER He loved the script and wanted to help get it made, which I think we all knew would entail his being in it. [Pitt plays a small but critical role as a Canadian carpenter and opponent of slavery who helps Northup secure his freedom.]
• x001 12 Years a Slave – On Set.