It has been a turbulent year for Will Smith. You would be living under a rock if you are unaware of things that unfolded at the Oscars 2022. During the ceremony, when comedian and host Chris Rock took a dig at Jada Smith about her alopecia condition, it did not go down well with her husband, Will. The actor stormed onto the stage and slapped Rock.
The act proved to be a blow for him. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banned Will Smith from the awards for 10 years. The ‘King Richard’ actor also submitted his resignation and apologized to Chris Rock and the Academy. He also faced professional backlash. Netflix’s ‘Fast And Loose’ was put on a backburner after the slapgate. ‘Bad Boys 4’ at Sony was also put on hold. However, after shelving the film, Apple+ has slated the actor’s ‘Emancipation’ will release this year. With ‘Emancipation’, is Will Smith going to compete in the Oscars 2023 race?
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Will Smith Starrer ‘Emancipation’ Is Set To Release In December 2022
There feels a restoration of faith and career for Will Smith. ‘Emancipation’ has finally sealed a release date for the theatrical release of the film. The drama starring Smith will release in the cinema halls on December 2, 2022, and on December 9, the film will stream on the OTT platform Apple+. The plot of the film revolves around a slave named Peter, who runs away to a Louisianan asylum where he joins the Union Army. The reported budget of the film is $120 million. It also stars Steven Ogg, Ben Foster, and Charmine Bingwa.
Will Smith told Hollywood Reporter why he signed the film: “Throughout my career, I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery. 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, about resilience. This is a film about faith.”
Also Read: Will Smith Reveals If Jada Pinkett Smith Asked Him To Slap Chris Rock
The Film Had A Positive Review At The First NAACP Screening
The slapgate at the Oscars did not turn out well for the actor. After the incident, Apple+ halted the release of the film, however, it has set a release date now. The film was screened on October 2, 2022, at the 51st Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference. Antoine Fuqua directed the period drama.
He addressed the slapgate during an interview and hoped for a reconciliation between the actor and comedian. He said, “Will Smith is a great guy. I was with him for a couple of years, making this movie. He is a wonderful person, an amazing partner and he did an amazing job on this movie.”
He continued, “Chris Rock’s a good guy, I know Chris as well … and I just pray it works out for them as friends, and we can move forward.”
The film was well received during the event, especially Will Smith’s performance. The NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson applauded the film in a tweet. Looking at the pre-buzz for the film, Smith may be a contender for Oscars 2023 with Brendan Fraser and Colin Farrell. Apple+ too may sweep another Oscar in the best drama category after the ‘Coda’ win.
