Will Smith has said he ‘understands’ if fans aren’t ‘ready’ to watch his new film
(Picture: Apple TV+)Will Smith has said he “understands” if fans aren’t “ready” to watch his new film, Emancipation, almost nine months on from his Oscars slap controversy.
The drama, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is the first Smith film to be released after he stormed the stage during the 94th Academy Awards in March and attacked Chris Rock, after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
He was later banned from Academy events or programmes for 10 years over the incident and has publicly apologised twice for his actions.
Now gearing up for his new flick’s release, the Hitch actor was asked what he would say to someone who does not feel “ready” to see him on screen following the slap.
Speaking to broadcaster Kevin McCarthy, he said: “I completely understand – if someone is not ready, I would absolutely respect that and allow them their space to not be ready.
“My deepest concern is my team – Antoine has done what I think is the greatest work of his entire career.
"I completely understand that if...someone is not ready, I would absolutely respect that and allow them their space to not be ready...My deepest hope is that my actions don't penalize my team."
— Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) November 28, 2022
Will Smith on audiences who aren't ready to watch his films after Oscars. #GoodDayDC pic.twitter.com/2fc3XaXbMa
“The people on this team have done some of the best work of their entire careers, and my deepest hope is that my actions don’t penalise my team.
“At this point, that’s what I’m working for. I’m hoping that the material – the power of the film, the timeliness of the story – I’m hoping that the good that can be done would open people’s hearts at a minimum to see and recognise and support the incredible artists in and around this film.”
The 54-year-old’s portrayal in the film is already receiving Oscar-buzz but, should he receive a nod, he will be unable to attend the ceremony following the furore earlier this year.
The movie sees Smith play Peter, a slave who flees a plantation in Louisiana and embarks on a journey to reunite with his family. It is based on the true story of “whipped Peter” from 1863, who was taken during a Union Army medical examination.
Emancipation will be released on AppleTV+ on Friday, December 9.
