Will Smith explained his decision to star in the new film, Emancipation, after the movie’s first screening at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference, hosted by the NAACP, on Saturday. The comments were Smith’s first time addressing a public crowd since his appearance at the Oscars, where he infamous slapped host Chris Rock.
“Throughout my career, I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery,” Smith said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “I never wanted to show us like that. And then this picture came along. And this is not a film about slavery. This is a film about freedom. This is a film about resilience. This is a film about faith.”
Emancipation was directed by Antoine Fuqua, of Training Day and The Equalizer fame, and stars Ben Foster and Steven Ogg, in addition to Smith.
“This is a film about the heart of a man—what could be called the first viral image,” Smith continued. “Cameras had just been created, and the image of whipped Peter went around the world. It was a rallying cry against slavery, and this was a story that exploded and blossomed in my heart that I wanted to be able to deliver to you in a way that only Antoine Fuqua could deliver.”
Emancipation is expected to release sometime in 2023 through Apple TV+, although it does not have a confirmed release date. If the film is successful enough to earn a nod from the academy, Smith will be unable to celebrate at the Oscars, as he’s been banned for 10 years.
Check out Smith’s comments below.
At a special screening of the film #Emancipation, with director @AntoineFuqua and producer and star Will Smith. This is the first time Will has seen the film with an audience. @appletv @appletvplus pic.twitter.com/RMDGvYIEky
— April (@ReignOfApril) October 1, 2022
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