Will Smith has been a beacon of light and familiarity for fans worldwide throughout his career. Even when he’s the leading star of a tear-inducing biopic, the Academy Award-winning thespian has been consistent in producing heroic or uplifting content.
This hasn’t changed with his latest feature film, Emancipation, directed by Antoine Fuqua. However, the period piece provides a rare glimpse of Smith never before seen.
William N. Collage wrote the screenplay inspired by the true story of an enslaved man by the name of Peter, the subject of “The Scourged Back” photo that aided in bringing perspective to the slavery debate that ultimately manifest into the Civil War. Peter fights through unthinkable terrors as he escapes slave owners in the backwoods of Louisiana in an attempt to reunite with his family.
The official trailer transitions between monochrome film to earth-toned color schemes as an orchestra builds throughout the various portrayals of Smith on plantations and moshing through dangerous swamplands. Smith as we know him is transformed, donning rags and scars and speaking in an accent. The actor is also shown fighting in the Union Army of the Civil War.
Seeing The Fresh Prince shed blood, sweat, and tears while enduring unsurmountable pain and tribulation hits different than it would have before the Oscar debacle, where he was demonized and dehumanized by relentless detractors waiting for an opportunity to pounce. It will be interesting to see how the real-life work on himself has translated onscreen now that the veil of perfection should no longer be a hinderance to his expression. Perhaps Emancipation comes in more forms than one.
Watch the Official Trailer to ‘Emancipation’ Below:
Smith’s banner, Westbrook Studios, produced the Apple Original Film, alongside in-house producer Jon Mone, Todd Black of Escape Artists, and Joey McFarland of McFarland Entertainment. Executive producers include Fuqua, Chris Brigham, James Lassiter, Glen Basner, Cliff Roberts, Scott Greenberg, and Heather Washington.
Emancipation premieres in theaters on Dec. 2, followed by its Apple TV+ premiere on Dec. 9.
