Will Smith-Led "Emancipation" Trailer Unveiled

Apple released Wednesday the official trailer for Will Smith's upcoming historical movie “Emancipation”.

The movie features Smith as an enslaved man named Peter who journeys through the swamps of Louisiana to find freedom. 

The trailer highlighted Smith’s character sprinting through marshes, fighting off an alligator, and serving in the Union army in hopes of eventually returning to his family. 

“Emancipation” is inspired by the 1863 photos of 'Whipped Peter', taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. 

One photo, known as ‘The Scourged Back’, showed Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributing to growing public opposition to slavery. 

“Emancipation” is scripted by William N. Collage and directed by Antoine Fuqua. 

It is produced by Smith and Jon Mone on behalf of Westbrook Studios, Joey McFarland on behalf of McFarland Entertainment, and Todd Black on behalf of Escape Artists. 

Fuqua also served as executive producer, alongside Chris Brigham, James Lassiter, Heather Washington, Cliff Roberts, Glen Basner, and Scott Greenberg.

“Emancipation” marks Smith’s first movie since the acclaimed actor became the center of controversy after slapping Chris Rock at the 93rd Oscars in March.

Smith apologized for his actions in a video posted online in June, he resigned from the Academy and has largely stayed out of the public eye since. 

“Emancipation” will premiere in theaters on December 2 and on Apple TV+ on December 9.