Hollywood star Will Smith is taking a stand. The shooting of the cinema legend’s new runaway slave movie Emancipation has been moved to a different location in taking a stance for social justice.
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Will Smith’s New Runaway Slave Film To Change Set Location
In a move of opposition to Georgia’s voting laws, the Fresh Prince and director Antoine Fuqua have moved the film’s set location. The new location is rumored to be in Louisiana, where the events of the movie actually took place, but the change comes in light of the state’s controversial restrictive election law signed by Republican Governor Brian Kemp.
“At this moment in time, the Nation is coming to terms with its history and is attempting to eliminate vestiges of institutional racism to achieve true racial justice. We cannot in good conscience provide economic support to a government that enacts regressive voting laws that are designed to restrict voter access. The new Georgia voting laws are reminiscent of voting impediments that were passed at the end of Reconstruction to prevent many Americans from voting. Regrettably, we feel compelled to move our film production work from Georgia to another state.” (Deadline)
Will Smith Playing Peter
Will Smith is playing a slave named Peter who fled a plantation, later on joining the Union Army during the Civil War. It’s based off of a true story, and Peter is known to be the man in “The Scourged Back” photo.
When the photo — which came to be known as “The Scourged Back” — was published by The Independent in May 1863 and then in the Harper’s Weekly July 4 issue, it became indisputable proof of the cruelty and barbarity of slavery in America. The photo reached around the world. It solidified the cause of abolitionists and prompted many free Blacks to join the Union Army.
Confirming His Interest In Politics
Loathe him or hate him, Donald Trump did leave one unique legacy: He showed that it really is possible for anyone to become President of the United States. The Hollywood and hip-hop icon is now considering a run for the White House.
Will Smith recently appeared on the Pod Save America political podcast to talk about his Netflix docuseries Amend: The Fight for America. During the interview, he reaffirmed that he has strong political aspirations in his future.
“For now, I’ma let that office get cleaned up a little bit, then … I’ll consider that at some point down the line.”
“I will certainly do my part, whether it remains artistic or at some point venture into the political arena.”
Will Smith Could Play Barack Obama In Biopic
The Fresh Prince mentioned in that same interview that he’s talked to Barack Obama about playing the former President in a biopic. Obama seemed to give Will the thumbs-up, but Barack has also revealed he’d be OK with rap superstar Drake playing the role.
“Drake seems to be able to do anything he wants. I mean, he’s a talented brother. If the time comes and he’s ready, you know … Drake has — more importantly — my household’s stamp of approval. I suspect Malia and Sasha would be just fine with it.”
