Will Smith (King Richard) will play King Richard in the upcoming historical thriller Emancipation. The film is expected to be an Oscar contender, with Smith vying for his second Best Actor nomination in a row. Emancipation, directed by Antoine Fuqua (The Guilty), is based on a true story about Peter (Will Smith) fighting for his and his family’s freedom. Smith’s first film since his Oscar win earlier this year, Emancipation, has already received critical acclaim. Everything you need to know about Emancipation is right here.
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When is Emancipation Coming Out?
Several groups, including the Congressional Black Caucus, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the National Council of Negro Women, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Power Rising, have seen the film. The film will be released in select theatres on December 2, 2022, followed by an Apple TV+ release a week later on December 9, 2022. This release date places the film in the thick of awards season.
Who is in the Cast of Emancipation?
The upcoming film stars Will Smith as Peter, Ben Foster as Fassel, Steven Ogg as Sergeant Howard, Charmaine Bingwa as Dodienne, Gilbert Owuor as Gordon, Mustafa Shakir as Andre Cailloux, and Grant Harvey as Leeds.
What is Emancipation About?
Emancipation is based on the true story of Peter (Smith), a slave who flees his plantation to find his family. He makes his way through the Louisiana swamp, outwitting cold-blooded hunters along the way. Later, Peter joins the Union Army, and during his medical examination, his bare back is revealed to have scars from a near-fatal whipping. The Independent published a photo of his back under the headline “the scourged back.” The image exemplified the atrocities of slavery in the United States.
