Will Smith’s next is ‘Emancipation’, an Apple TV Original film that will release in theatres on December 2, 2022. The teaser of the film was released on Apple TV’s official youtube channel and Twitter handle recently. While youtube comments were diabled, the teaser has got mixed reactions on Twitter but not targeting Will Smith as one might expect, but regarding the film itself.
‘Emancipation’ is a thriller based on a real story. It follows the story of Peter, a slave at a plantation who escapes from his white ‘masters’ in search of his family. He also plans to join Abraham Lincoln’s Union Army but for that, he has to survive and cross the swamps of Louisiana along with other hurdles and this seems to form the premise as seen from the teaser. The cold-blooded hunters and hunt dogs are on his trail, and so are the dangers in the swamp, some among them a deadly crocodile and the possibility of death by tiring and hunger.
The teaser has received mixed responses from the viewers. A portion of the people wonders if it is apt to make such content on slavery over and over again. Such content besides serving as painful memories of a hurtful past doesn’t really have much to offer, says another. Will Smith’s accent in the film has also drawn criticism with many finding it fake. While a few also mentioned the slapping incident, fans were quick to come to the actor’s defense saying that everyone makes mistakes and one would not lead to a talented actor’s career plummeting.
‘Emancipation’ was one of the projects that reportedly got shelved after the infamous slap incident at the Oscars. The day was also a high for Will Smith’s career since he won the Oscar for Best Actor, at the same time, his slapping Chris Rock almost destroyed his career as an actor. Interestingly, the movie was set to release next year but will release this year reportedly so Smith can compete for the next Oscars, to which he is banned for 10 years from attending.
Will Smith has described the film as not another slave film, but a film of liberation resilience, and faith. ‘Emancipation’ after its release in theatres will stream on Apple TV+ from December 9 onwards. It is unclear as to whether the same dates will apply to the Indian release of the film as of now.