A few months removed from the now infamous Oscars slap, Will Smith has a new movie coming out soon. Of course, this is his first since slapping Chris Rock on stage at the ceremony. In discussing his new film, Emancipation, the actor stated that he understood if some people may be hesitant about seeing it so soon after the slap happened. Despite this, he also called it a deep concern that people may not want to see the new AppleTV+ film.

In the interview, the Oscar-winning actor said:

In discussing people perhaps not wanting to see Emancipation, Will Smith said:

Emancipation on AppleTV+ will premiere in theatres on December 2nd and launch on the streaming platform on December 9th. Though this is Will Smith’s first film to come out since the Oscars slap occurred, the actor has several other films in the works.

Emancipation on AppleTV+

Will Smith’s new film is a historical action flick about an enslaved person who escapes a plantation in Louisiana. Antoine Fuqua directed the new AppleTV+ film and William N. Collage wrote the script. Besides Will Smith, the cast includes Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Steven Ogg, and many others. Besides Will Smith discussing the new film in various interviews, the film has received a decent amount of press. Although official reviews are not out, people consider it an awards contender.

What do you think of Will Smith’s discussion of his new movie? Should people simply overlook his presence in the movie if they have not forgiven him for the Oscars slap?