Will Smith Calls ‘Emancipation’ the Hardest Role of His Life: ‘I Didn’t Want to Show Black Folks in That Light

Will Smith has revealed that taking on the role of ‘Peter’ in the 2022 film Emancipation was the hardest of his career, admitting that he had long avoided roles centered around slavery.

In a candid interview, the 56-year-old actor confessed that he never wanted to make a period film about slavery, stating, “I never wanted to make a period film about slavery. I’ve avoided those roles my whole career.” He explained his hesitance by saying, “I didn’t want to show Black folks in that light,” referring to the painful history of slavery that he felt could be too difficult to portray.

However, Smith was drawn to the project due to its powerful message. In Emancipation, Smith plays ‘Peter,’ a slave who escapes a brutal plantation in Louisiana after enduring a life of violent abuse. The action-thriller, directed by Antoine Fuqua, tells a harrowing true story of resilience and survival.

Despite his initial reluctance, Smith described Emancipation as the most challenging project of his career. “Without question, this was the hardest film of my career. It was searing hot; a hurricane tore down our sets; I was in the swamp every day,” he told Complex. “But when you’re telling a true story like this, there’s a huge energy you get from the meaningful purpose of sharing an incredible human life with others.”

Emancipation was a remarkable film, not only for its raw portrayal of the horrors of slavery but also for its deeply personal impact on Smith. The film featured an ensemble cast including Steven Ogg, Aaron Moten, Mustafa Shakir, Ben Foster, and Charmaine Bingwa, each contributing to the powerful narrative directed by Fuqua.

Smith’s commitment to the project reflects both his growth as an actor and his willingness to confront difficult, yet vital, subjects in cinema. The experience left a lasting impact on him, both professionally and personally, as he sought to honor the life and struggles of the real person whose story Emancipation brings to light.