Will Smith struggles for freedom in harrowing Emancipation trailer: ‘They never, never break me’-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

The trailer for Emancipation has finally been released, marking Will Smith’s return to acting following the Oscars slap drama.

The upcoming Apple TV+ flick follows the journey of an enslaved man who escapes from a Louisiana plantation and joins the Union Army during the Civil War.

It is set to premiere in cinemas on December 2, before landing on the streaming service on December 9.

In an emotional teaser, the 54-year-old – who stars as Peter – could be seen being wheeled away in a cage as he is told: ’You walk the earth because I let you. I’m your God now.’

He manages to escape and goes on the run, managing to avoid bullets, animals and his oppressors.

‘I fight them. They beat me. They whip me. They break the bones in my body more times than I can count. But they never, never break me,’ Peter declares.

The trailer for Emancipation, starring Will Smith, is finally here (Picture: Apple TV+)

‘Give thanks to God,’ he tells his family. ‘The Lord is with us. What can a mere man do to me?’

Emancipation was directed by Antoine Fuqua, with Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa and Jabbar Lewis also among the cast.

The official synopsis reads: Emancipation tells the triumphant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom.

‘The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly.

Will took a step back from the spotlight recently (Picture: Getty)

‘One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.’

Will, who kept a low profile following the slap drama, appeared at a screening and Q&A last month, where he opened up about his decision to take on such an emotional role.

‘Throughout my career, I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery,’ he told the crowd, via the Hollywood Reporter. ‘I never wanted to show us like that.

‘And then this picture came along. And this is not a film about slavery. This is a film about freedom. This is a film about resilience. This is a film about faith.

Will famously slapped Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars ceremony (Picture: Getty)

‘This is a film about the heart of a man — what could be called the first viral image.

‘Cameras had just been created, and the image of whipped Peter went around the world. It was a rallying cry against slavery, and this was a story that exploded and blossomed in my heart that I wanted to be able to deliver to you in a way that only Antoine Fuqua could deliver.’

Emancipation is Will’s first project to be released since the controversy at this year’s Oscars ceremony – when he stormed on stage to confront Chris Rock over a joke regarding wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

More: Trending

After slapping the comedian, he walked back to his seat and warned the Everybody Hates Chris actor to keep her name out of his mouth.

In the wake of the incident, he announced his resignation from the Academy, and bosses confirmed that he would be serving a 10-year ban from all Oscars-related events.

Emancipation will be released in cinemas on December 2, and Apple TV on December 9.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Peter Andre unveils transformation with new luscious locks for upcoming short film role

MORE : Tom Kerridge reveals he drank enough alcohol to last a lifetime by age 40 – but he has no regrets

Follow Metro on Snapchat

You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.

Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.

And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.

Entertainment – MetroRead More