Will Smith shocked everyone by slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. At the time, no one would have imagined how much of a problem this would become. The actor apologized for his actions, but that didn’t change anything. He lost several films and was banned from the Academy for ten years. Will Smith continued to work on his next film, Emancipation. Apple acquired the film in 2020, but after all that had happened, the company was hesitant to release the film.
Apple was planning to release the movie in 2023. But according to sources, after the Oscars incident, the company decided to release it during awards season this year. However, it’s possible that Apple will put the movie on hold for a while as it hasn’t announced a release date for the movie yet.
Read more: Chris Rock can’t care about Will Smith after his viral apology video: ‘Everyone’s trying to be a fucking victim’
Apple May Not Release Will Smith’s Emancipation This Year
Based on a true story, Emancipation follows Peter, a slave who flees after nearly being put to death. He fled north and joined Union forces during the Civil War. The Antoine Fuqua film stars Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Orr, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey and Jason Warner Smith.
In its early stages of production, the film caused a heated bidding war between studios. Every studio was trying to get their hands on the film. Eventually, Apple got it for $130 million. However, after all the controversy related to Will Smith, Apple is in a debate on the release date of the film.
Apple had planned to release the film on Apple TV+. But after what happened at the Oscars, it was supposed to come out this fall as part of the overall awards season push. Apple has not announced an official release date. But since the movie has finished production, it was supposed to be released somewhere this year.
Now, with everything going on, the movie could be released later this year or early 2023. After its theatrical release, it will be available on Apple TV+.
Some sources are also claiming that the movie might get a season release after its recent screening. The film recently had a test screening and received overwhelmingly positive responses from audiences. Those present at the screening were impressed with Smith’s performance and did not seem upset with his recent public behavior.
Read more: ‘After what he did to Chris Rock, Smith is not welcome’: Saturday Night Live reportedly permanently banned Will Smith after Oscars slap, vowing not to even let him sit in the public
Will Smith receives praise for his performance in Emancipation
It’s been almost six months since the incident happened at the Oscars. The news quickly faded as more Hollywood dramas made headlines.
And after the answer Emancipation received during its test screening, Apple can feel comfortable giving the film an awards season release. There might be a slim chance the film will receive the same reaction at the Oscars as it did during its test screening.
After Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, he apologized to the comedian. Smith also resigned from the Academy. The Academy banned Will Smith from appearing at the awards ceremony for ten years.
However, he is still eligible for nominations and winning awards. With the reactions Emancipation has received so far, people are also hoping that Smith has the potential to receive an award for this movie.
Apple also expects a lot from the film. After the success of CODA and the Best Picture Oscar, the company could expect the same from Emancipation. However, with everything going on, Emancipation may struggle to be an award contender.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the movie didn’t come out this year. And it wouldn’t be the only Will Smith film to be delayed or outright canceled in recent months. However, the actor still has films under his name, including bad boys 4, Emancipationand I am Legend 2.
Source: Screenrant