Engaging with an Imperfect Past: Simultaneity and the Many Stories within Director Rashid Johnson's Native Son.

This article examines the multiple adaptations of Richard Wright's classic novel *Native Son*, focusing particularly on Rashid Johnson's 2019 film as a conscious example of "simultaneity" in adaptation—where a work intentionally engages with various influences and prior texts rather than striving for singular fidelity to the source. It situates Johnson’s film within a broader history of *Native Son* adaptations, highlighting how each version grapples with the complex and controversial characterization of Bigger Thomas amid evolving social and political contexts. The 2019 adaptation consciously dialogues with Wright’s novel, previous adaptations, and critical debates by figures such as James Baldwin and Ralph Ellison, recontextualizing Bigger as a more self-aware and nuanced character while addressing contemporary issues like police brutality. Ultimately, the article argues that *Native Son*’s enduring relevance lies in its capacity to evolve through simultaneous, layered interpretations that reflect ongoing struggles against systemic racism in America.