WATCH: Emancipation, Will Smith's First Post-Slap Movie, Gets Trailer & Apple TV+ Release Date

Emancipation, a slavery drama starring Will Smith, will premiere on Apple TV+ in December.

Apple Original Films announced today that the Antoine Fuqua-helmed film, Smith's first since he slapped Chris Rock at the last Oscars, would open in theaters on December 2, and premiere on Apple TV+ December 9. The news comes following speculation that the film may be cancelled or suffer a delay as a result of the Oscars controversy. Smith was banned from attending the Academy Awards for a decade as a result. 

Inspired by a true story, Emancipation chronicles the journey of an enslaved man who embarks on a dangerous quest to reunite with his family. "We must get to Lincoln's army," Smith's character, Peter, says. To get to freedom and his family, they must travel five days through swamp. "I will not be afraid. What can a mere man do to me?" 

Emancipation premieres on Apple TV+ December 9.

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.