Will Smith is ready for his next feature film, starring in Emancipation for AppleTV+. He plays Peter, an enslaved man known as "Whipped Peter," whose photo has since gone down in the history books for depicting the brutality of slavery. Nevertheless, he escaped captivity, journeying through Louisiana and eventually joining the Union army. Emancipation will follow Smith's character through all the cruelty, offering a disturbing look at life on southern plantations.
Smith recently sat down with Vanity Fair, discussing the upcoming project and how difficult it was for the actor to film. However, Smith is thankful for the role, calling Peter an inspiration after learning more about what he endured.
"Getting into the character of Peter was grueling; physically, emotionally and mentally in every way. Not just for me, but for every single person working on the film. We had therapists and spiritual teachers on set. We had a pastor. The daily reminder of the merciless treatment of a race of people was punishing to our spirits. And yet, I don’t think I would want to 'shake off' Peter. The concept that Peter illuminated for me is that heaven and hell are states of consciousness. For me to have the opportunity to walk in Peter's trial, and try to understand and dissect what is going on in the heart and mind of a man who has endured what he has endured—and survived—is a gift. It is a source of new inspiration and has helped me to cultivate a higher capacity for empathy."
Smith stars alongside Ben Foster, Grant Harvey, David Denman, Steven Ogg, Charmain Bingwa, Imani Pullum, Paul Ben-Victor, Mustafa Shakir, and Dave Davis. Emancipation is set to arrive next month, streaming on AppleTV+ on Dec. 9.
Emancipation Director Antoine Fuqua Comments on Will's Oscar Slap
Antoine Fuqua helms Emancipation, with plenty of experience in Hollywood. The 56-year-old filmmaker directed Training Day in 2001, bringing Denzel Washington an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He's also behind movies such as The Equalizer, Southpaw, The Magnificent Seven, and Infinite.
Emancipation was initially delayed following Will Smith's very public Oscars slap with Chris Rock; however, the project has since moved back to its original date. When Fuqua was asked to discuss the slap with Vanity Fair, he said it didn't "feel real."
"It hit me later. I was still having post-traumatic stress syndrome about being in the swamps of Louisiana," Fuqua explains. "People were calling me and texting me. I couldn't deal with that — I was still dealing with the other thing. But it didn't feel real to me at all, because I was with Will for two years and I haven't met a nicer human being."
He continues, citing Will's kindness as the main thing that stands out for the actor.
"So, I saw a different person than that one moment in time, and so my reaction was that particular moment is very foreign to me when it comes to Will Smith," Fuqua says. "I have nothing but amazing things to say about Will Smith, really genuinely. You can ask anybody that worked on the movie, they'll tell you the same."
Luckily, Smith's career seems to be going full steam ahead, and fans can only hope he receives some award recognition regardless of the platform this year. Emancipation arrives on Apple TV+ on Dec. 9.