Earlier this year, the world became obsessed with a viral moment during the Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the live telecast. It forever altered how people see Smith, obviously, but the long-term ramifications are still not fully known. Will people support him for his next film? Can Will Smith’s persona truly recover? Well, we won’t know for sure for a while, but we do know that the first big test will be the film, “Emancipation.” And according to that film’s director, Antoine Fuqua, it’s going to be something special.
Speaking on an upcoming episode of Bingeworthy (part of The Playlist Podcast Network), Antoine Fuqua talked about his work on the new TV series, “The Terminal List,” and also teased what’s to come in the future, which includes the aforementioned “Emancipation.” For those unaware, “Emancipation” stars Will Smith as an escaped slave running from his oppressors as he makes his way to the North and freedom. The real-life inspiration came from the story of an escaped slave who was photographed showing the scars on his back from being abused by slave owners in the South. The picture was circulated all throughout the country and helped show proof of the abuse being suffered by Black people in the South. And according to Fuqua, it might just be the best thing the filmmaker has ever created.
“Don’t have a release date for it yet, but, as a feature film goes, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. As a director, I mean, you hope to grow…I see some growth in my soul…it is epic,” teased Fuqua.
Originally, the film was expected to be released later this year, right in time for Oscar season. However, the film is now being pushed to an unknown date in 2023. This might be the time needed for Will Smith’s public image to recover a bit more.
But “Emancipation” isn’t the only major project Fuqua has on his slate. He’s also prepping for a return to the “Equalizer” film franchise alongside his star, Denzel Washington. The director says filming will begin in September (“as long as the world is still here”), and he explained what keeps him coming back to the action franchise.
“For me, it’s Denzel. I love working with Denzel. I’m honored. I’m blessed to work with him,” Fuqua explained. “Again, I love working with the same actors – I’ve worked with Chris [Pratt] before, I’ve worked with Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke. When you get blessed to work with great actors again and again, you know, it’s one of the best compliments any filmmaker can get.”
Obviously, it’s far too early to know an exact release date for “The Equalizer 3,” but that film will also likely be coming in late 2023. You will be able to hear the full discussion later this week when the episode of Bingeworthy is released.
-Additional reporting from Mike DeAngelo