Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington Leap from Stage to Screen in Gripping “The Piano Lesson ”Trailer
Denzel Washington's son Malcolm Washington directed the film, while his other son, John David, costars with Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington are taking one of their recent onstage collaborations, The Piano Lesson, to the screen.
After Jackson, his wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson, John David and Ray Fisher combined forces to revive August Wilson's play on Broadway in 2022, the pair are working with John David's father Denzel Washington and the latter's younger son, Malcolm Washington, to bring the story to Netflix.
The trailer that debuted Wednesday, Aug. 21, showcases Jackson, 75, as he reprises his role of Doaker Charles, and John David, 40, back as Boy Willie, in the story that takes place during the aftermath of the Great Depression in 1936 Pittsburgh.
"A battle is brewing in the Charles household," a synopsis for the movie begins. "At the center stands a prized heirloom piano tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother (John David) plans to build the family fortune by selling it."
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Courtesy of Netflix
John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in The Piano Lesson (2024)The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
"On the other, a sister (Danielle Deadwyler) will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Their uncle (Jackson) tries to mediate, but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past," the synopsis adds.
In the heart-pounding trailer, a voiceover from John David plays over several tense segments, beginning with, "You feel that? That's your family. That's your blood."
"Tell your mama to tell you about that piano," he adds, as sinister forces appear to surround several individuals in a thrilling montage. "Ask her how them pictures got on there."
The Piano Lesson originated as a play in 1987. Jackson originated the role of Boy Willie when it opened at the Yale Repertory Theatre and later worked as an understudy for multiple roles when the production hit Broadway in 1990.
Netflix
Poster for The Piano Lesson (2024)Related: Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King Visit 'Piano Lesson' Broadway Cast Backstage, Praise Danielle Brooks
When he and his wife revived the play in 2022 — with Richardson, 74, in her directorial debut — Jackson starred as Doaker, while John David portrayed Boy Willie, which he reprises in the new movie. It comes nearly 30 years after the first film adaptation, directed by Lloyd Richards.
The upcoming Netflix film marks Malcolm's directorial debut; he cowrote the movie's script with Virgil Williams (Mudbound). While Denzel, 69, does not appear in the film himself, he is credited as a producer. Michael Potts also appears in the movie, after acting in the Broadway revival.
The new film also features performances from Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Jerrika Hinton, Gail Bean and Corey Hawkins. Two-time Oscar winner Alexandre Desplat composed the music.
The Piano Lesson is in select theaters Nov. 8, then on Netflix Nov. 22.
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