Emancipation Trailer

Apple TV+ released the Emancipation trailer starring Will Smith and directed by Antoine Fuqua. In the film, Will Smith plays a slave, Whipper Peter, who is recovering from a whipping that nearly killed him. Because of this, he decides to brave the swamps of Louisiana and be free. With only his wits, he must elude the salve hunters on his trail.

Inspired by the gripping true story of a man who would do anything for his family — and for freedom. When Peter, an enslaved man, risks his life to escape and return to his family, he embarks on a perilous journey of love and endurance.

– Apple TV+

Apple held the first showing Emancipation on Saturday. Both Smith and Fuqua made their first public comments about the movie in a follow-up discussion. The showing was held during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference in DC. It is the first film for Will Smith since the slap heard around the world at the Oscars.

The film was orginally scheduled to be released in 2023. But today, Apple announced an unexpected December release date. Expect to see Emancipation in theaters December 2, 2022 and on Apple TV+ on December 9th. This is just in time for Oscar nominations. Although, it may be a prime contender for the Oscars, it’s uncertain due to Smith’s 10-year ban from the Academy.

The film is held in high esteem due to Apple winning the rights to make the movie in a record-breaking auction. It was inspired by the 1863 photographs of Peter. The photographs were taken of him when he joined the Union Army in hopes of finding his family. They were seen around the world and brought attention to the affects of slavery in the South.

Looking at the Emancipation trailer, the movie looks intense. Tweets about the film having been rolling in. Judging from them, this movie is something to look out for in December. We have highlighted a few below. Emancipation hits theaters December 2, 2022 and Apple TV+ on December 9, 2022.