Claim: 42 is a film.

42 is a 2013 American biographical sports film written and directed by Brian Helgeland about the racial integration of American professional baseball by player Jackie Robinson , who wore jersey number 42 through his Major League career . The film stars Chadwick Boseman as Robinson , and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey , with Alan Tudyk , Nicole Beharie , Christopher Meloni , Andre Holland , Lucas Black , Hamish Linklater and Ryan Merriman appearing in supporting roles .   The film received generally positive reviews and grossed over $ 97 million on a $ 40 million budget . 42 was released in North America on April 12 , 2013 .