Apple Original Films today revealed the trailer for the new film Emancipation, directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) and starring and produced by Will Smith (King Richard, The Pursuit of Happyness, Ali).
The film will premiere in theaters on December 2, 2022, and globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, December 9, 2022.
Emancipation tells the triumphant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery. Relying on his wits, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family, he evades cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom.
The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination and first appearing in Harper’s Weekly.
One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.
Emancipation is directed by Antoine Fuqua from a script by William N. Collage.
In addition to Will Smith, the cast includes Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, and Grant Harvey.
The cast is rounded out by Ronnie Gene Bivens, Jayson Warner Smith, Jabbar Lewis, Michael Luwoye, Aaron Moten, and Imani Pullum.
The film is produced by Will Smith and Jon Mone through Westbrook Studios, Joey McFarland through McFarland Entertainment, and Todd Black through Escape Artists.
Chris Brigham, Antoine Fuqua, James Lassiter, Heather Washington, Cliff Roberts, Glen Basner, and Scott Greenberg are executive producing.
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Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.