Will Smith will appear in the next film by Antoine Fuqua, on the true story of Peter, a Louisiana slave who became the symbol of the horror of slavery. He had managed to free himself from his owners, John and Bridget Lyons, who owned a plantation, and photos of his lacerated back had been taken by army doctors who had collected him. These images were first published by The Independent in 1863, showing the world the cruelty faced by slaves.
Antoine Fuqua & Will Smith Runaway Slave Thriller 'Emancipation' To Be Introduced At Virtual Cannes Market; Based On Indelible 'Scourged Back' Photo https://t.co/XlNQx2BcJe
- Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) June 15, 2020"It was the first viral image of the brutality of slavery the world saw, which is interesting when you put it in perspective with today's media and social media and what the world is seeing new, "he told Deadline. Antoine Fuqua's film will retrace Peter's race for freedom through the swamps of Louisiana while he is being hunted down by his torturers.
Tell a story
Antoine Fuqua and Will Smith have been working on this project “for two years” and, for the director, the parallel with what has been happening in the world today since the death of George Floyd, is inevitable.
“We see in the streets today some emotions that I had [while reading the script]. There is pain, anger, love, faith and hope in what I see in young people today. (…) Black, white, brown, yellow, whatever. They are all on the street, they are young, and they stand up for their future. (…) Peter never gave up and he fought tooth and nail to find his family. It is an important story to tell, ”added Antoine Fuqua.
Filming is expected to start early next year.
People
Will Smith brings together the Prince of Bel-Air team for a special show
- Will smith
- Slavery
- Actor
- Cinema
- People