Hollywood star Will Smith (54) "completely understands" when the audience is not ready to see him in a film. The actor explained this in a TV interview with Fox 5 on "Emancipation". It is the first work with him to be published after the scandal at this year's Oscars. He slapped comedian Chris Rock (57) on stage. Will Smith went on to say he hopes his actions don't "punish" the film.
"I totally understand when someone isn't ready," Smith told Fox 5 of his new film from director Antoine Fuqua, 56. He would "absolutely respect" that, he understands if the audience doesn't want to see a film with him. The actor added: "My biggest concern is for my team. Antoine has done what I think is the greatest job of his entire career... the people on this team have done some of the best work of their entire career and I hope insisting that my actions do not put my team at a disadvantage."
That's what he's working for now, Smith continued. "I hope so. I hope that the footage, the power of the film, the timeliness of the story - I hope that the good that can be done - will open people's hearts to the incredible artists in and around this to see, recognize and support the film."
In "Emancipation," Will Smith plays Peter, a slave who flees through the swamps of Louisiana in 1863 to reach the Union Army and his freedom. Relentless, racist hunters are always on his heels as he escapes. The film is inspired by one of the most famous photographs from the American Civil War era. It shows the back of the so-called "Whipped Peter", disfigured by numerous lashes from his slave owners. The recording, known as "The Scourged Back," significantly influenced public opinion in the Northern States in the 1860s, proving beyond any doubt the inhuman cruelty of slavery.
The film is slated to open in select theaters on December 2nd, theoretically qualifying for next year's Oscars before its December 9th release on Apple TV. Should the film actually be in the running for a golden boy, Smith could only follow that from afar. The actor was banned from the event for ten years for his slap in the face.
