TV Article Matthew McConaughey: Free State of Jones star shows empowers the people in new movie clip — exclusive By Evan Slead Published on June 7, 2016 12:00PM EDT Director Gary Ross’ upcoming film Free State Jones is already rallying the masses with this exclusive clip for EW, which you can see above. Based on a true story, Matthew McConaughey stars as Newton Knight, a poor farmer from Mississippi who led a group of rebels against the Confederate army during the Civil War. The clip reveals Knight professing to the crowd of rebels and supporters that the “Free State of Jones” declaration will be enforced. WANT MORE EW? Subscribe now to keep up with the latest in movies, television and music. “Number one: no man oughta stay poor so another man can get rich,” McConaughey declares. “Number two: no man oughta tell another man what he’s gotta live for, or what he’s gotta die for.” This is Gary Ross’ first film since directing 2012’s The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence. Free State of Jones also stars Keri Russell, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Mahershala Ali and will be released on June 24 by STX Entertainment.