Although the movie did not have an exact release date, it was expected to come out sometime this year but has been postponed to 2023.

Apple Original Films and Smith’s own Westbrook Studios is behind the upcoming drama which was expected to premiere this year, but according to a report by ‘Variety’, sources say there is an ‘unspoken truth’ that the movie will not come out until 2023.

The movie directed by Antoine Fuqua was already getting awards buzz prior to this year’s Oscars but Smith’s on-camera assault of Chris Rock sent the studio into damage control.

In the movie, ‘Emancipation’, Smith portrays a runaway slave named Peter, which is based off a true story from an 1863 photo titled ‘The Scourged Back.’

The image, according to History.com, depicts Peter showing off a heavily scarred back after a treacherous journey to freedom. (The photo, which was in Harper’s Weekly in July of 1863, was critical in changing the beliefs of white Northerners looking to abolish slavery).

The 53-year-old’s performance was expected to earn him an Oscar nod – but that was prior to the 2022 ceremony where he slapped Chris Rock on stage.

A source told Variety that ‘it’s the unspoken truth’ the historical drama – which would have been Smith’s first following the ordeal – will not come out until some time in 2023.

The outlet added that there are discussions happening behind closed doors about how to or if Will Smith should be involved in promoting the film.

The Oscars exchange between Smith and Rock took place after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, saying, ‘Jada, I love you, G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,’ in reference to the 1997 movie which featured Demi Moore with a shaved head. (Pinkett Smith, 50, has been diagnosed with alopecia, which causes hair loss).

Other sources added that, aside from Slapgate, director Antoine Fuqua is still in the middle of post-production following several shooting delays.

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