Will Smith Film ‘Emancipation’ Pushed To 2023 After Oscars Controversy

Will Smith continues to suffer stiff consequences for using violence at this year’s Oscars ceremony. After Netflix, put a stop to Smith’s Bright 2 sequel, it appears another streaming giant has joined in to punish Smith for his meltdown at the Oscars 2022.

Variety reports that Apple is delaying the release of Will Smith’s next film, Emancipation, in the wake of his now infamous slapping of Chris Rock during the Oscars. Originally expected to drop on the fall festival circuit later this year, the actor’s next film from Apple, and co-produced by his production company Westbrook Studios, is planning to delay the film’s release to sometime in 2023.

The Antoine Fuqua directed movie was already getting awards buzz prior to this year’s Oscars but Smith’s on-camera assaulting of Chris Rock sent the studio into damage control. As a result of his violent outburst, he was banned from attending the Oscars and other Academy-related events for 10 years.

Though the studio did not officially date “Emancipation,” it was expected to be the streamer’s next potential awards project this year after winning best picture for “CODA.” While Apple has not shared an official date, one source familiar with the situation said “it’s the unspoken truth” that the action-drama will not hit the platform in 2022. 

Emancipation sees Smith portraying a runaway slave named Peter, which is based off a true story from an 1863 photo titled The Scourged Back. The 53-year-old’s performance was expected to earn him an Oscar win, but that was prior to the 2022 ceremony where he slapped Chris Rock on stage.

One filmmaker, who asked to remain anonymous, told Variety before the Academy Awards that they saw early footage from the film: “Will’s going to win back-to-back.” At the time, the quote was referencing his upcoming best actor win for “King Richard.” Stay tuned to Thirsty for future updates.

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