‘Emancipation’ Trailer: Will Smith & Antoine Fuqua Team Up To Tell The Triumphant Story Of A Man Escaping Slavery

It’s a bit sad that “the slap” from this year’s Oscars, where Will Smith assaulted Chris Rock on stage, is overshadowing the release of “Emancipation.” No, that isn’t to say Will Smith is innocent of wrongdoing and shouldn’t be criticized. Instead, it just means that “Emancipation” clearly has all the makings of a powerful film, but the real-world controversy seems to be diluting the message just a bit.

READ MORE: Antoine Fuqua Defends Releasing ‘Emancipation’ Despite Will Smith Controversy: “400 Years Of Slavery Is Bigger Than One Moment”

And as seen in the new trailer for “Emancipation,” it’s clear that everyone involved, including Will Smith in the leading role, are pouring their hearts and souls into the making of this film. The plot follows the incredible true story of Peter, a man on a mission to escape slavery as he makes his way north. And when he finally does reach safety, his scars from being whipped are photographed and shown nationwide and help change the course of history.

Joining Smith in the cast are Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey, Ronnie Gene Bivens, Jayson Warner Smith, Jabbar Lewis, Michael Luwoye, Aaron Moten, and Imani Pullum. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua, based on a script by William N. Collage. 

“Emancipation” arrives in theaters on December 2 before hitting Apple TV+ on December 9. You can watch the trailer below.

Here’s the synopsis:

“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.