Will Smith — Apple Sticks W/ 2022 Release Date For Actor’s Film ‘Emancipation’ Following Rumors of Postponement Due To Oscars Slap Incident Involving Chris Rock

Will Smith — Apple Sticks W/ 2022 Release Date For Actor’s Film ‘Emancipation’ Following Rumors of Postponement Due To Oscars Slap Incident Involving Chris Rock

It looks like Will Smith is back in action, literally.

Following his slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars on Sunday, March 27, the actor found himself at the focus of criticism, controversy, and postponed movie releases/business collaborations. However, it seems like that’s now all behind Will Smith.

The trailer and release date for his movie Emancipation was made public today (Oct. 3) by Apple, despite the fact that many people had predicted — or at least felt — that Will Smith would never work again.

Although the movie was always scheduled for a 2022 release, there were previous reports that Apple was considering delaying it until 2023 in response to the Oscars debacle. The film is inspired by a true story and focuses on an enslaved man who sets out on a dangerous trip to reunite with his family, Apple stated in a tweet sharing the teaser.

Official Teaser — Emancipation

Inspired by a true story, an enslaved man embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with his family. #Emancipation, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Will Smith, premieres in theaters December 2, streaming on Apple TV+ December 9 pic.twitter.com/sSj4o2ajw1

— Apple Original Films (@AppleFilms) October 3, 2022

Will Smith shared the official teaser for the film on his YouTube channel. In his caption, he said,

“This was the hardest movie I’ve ever made. Blood, Sweat & Tears… LITERALLY! Shoutout to @Apple who doubled (and tripled) down on their commitment to deliver this epic story to the world.”

It was widely believed that Emancipation, as well as its leading actor, would have been strong contenders for the upcoming award season prior to the Oscars slap. However, following the incident, Smith resigned from the Academy, and the institution’s Board of Governors imposed a 10-year ban prohibiting him from attending any ceremonies. Smith can still receive nominations during this time, though he would not be able to accept his awards in person.

As previously reported, Chris Rock made a joke at the Oscars event in which he compared Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, to G.I. Jane because of her distinctive shaved head, which she sports as a result of alopecia.

Will Smith just punched Chris Rock and told him "keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth" pic.twitter.com/YK5aQqv89t

— BACKUP ACCOUNT (@JasmineBrandTHE) March 28, 2022

The actor/comedian is also said to be, once again, in talks with Netflix for a biopic on his life that was put on hold following the Oscars ceremony.

Emancipation will have its theatrical release on December 2 and will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on December 9.

Are you looking forward to Will Smith’s upcoming film? Let us know in the comments!

[VIA]