Actor Will Smith continues to be sacked after his Oscar slap. Before the release of his new film "Emancipation", he explains that he can understand if the audience doesn't want to see him. He would only feel sorry for his team.
Hollywood star Will Smith "perfectly understands" when audiences aren't ready to see him in a movie. The actor explained this in a TV interview with Fox 5 on "Emancipation".
The film is the first work starring the 54-year-old to be released following the scandal at this year's Oscars. Smith had slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage. The actor went on to say he hopes his actions won't "punish" the film.
"I totally understand when someone isn't ready," Smith told Fox 5 of his new film from director Antoine Fuqua. He would "absolutely respect" that, he could understand if the audience didn't want to see a film with him. Smith 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. He hopes the power of the film will "open people's hearts to see, recognize and support the incredible artists in and around this 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.
Slated for a December 2nd release in select theaters, Emancipation theoretically qualifies for next year's Oscars before the flick's 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.
