Will Smith stars in 'Emancipation,' film brought to life by this Louisville movie producer

When "Emancipation" debuts globally on Dec. 9 on Apple TV+, it will be the first time most viewers have seen actor Will Smith since that infamous slap he landed on Chris Rock's cheek at the 94th Academy Awards. What viewers won't see are the years of research a Louisville film producer devoted to bringing the story of an enslaved man named Peter (Will Smith) to life.

Joey McFarland, a graduate of De Sales High School and the University of Louisville, is known for producing such films as "Wolf of Wall Street," "Papillon," and "Friends with Kids."

When the Courier Journal spoke with the filmmaker in 2020, he had just gotten the green light to move ahead on a passion project which would become "Emancipation."

"Something that had been in the back of my mind for a really long time was that we have not seen an African American hero in the vein of Spartacus, a gladiator, or the historical epic adventure movie where you see a person rise from the worst of conditions and go on to do extraordinary things," McFarland previously told the Courier Journal.

To find his hero, McFarland, who is deeply interested in history, spent more than two years researching Peter, the enslaved man whose scars were photographed in a haunting image taken in 1863 at a medical exam during the Civil War. The photo which shows raised welts and scars crisscrossing Peter's back became a pivotal image during the Civil War by exposing the brutality of slavery.

"The photograph shows up in textbooks, academic papers, and documentaries," McFarland previously told the Courier Journal. "But for more than 150 years, no one has asked, 'Who is this man?'"

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McFarland was able to piece together Peter's life by scouring the internet, working with several prominent historians and Civil War experts, and traveling to Louisiana — where Peter escaped bondage and joined the Union Army.

"Historians say this photograph became a wordless indictment that opened people's eyes to the atrocities of slavery," the film producer said. "But what happened before Peter's beating and after? That's the story I wanted to tell."   

Earlier this month, at a red carpet premiere for the film in Los Angeles, California, McFarland showed a reporter the photograph of Peter which he explained was the inspiration for the film. The revelation was not met with the reaction McFarland had intended.

Instead, there was a backlash on social media and McFarland apologized stating "I wholeheartedly apologize to everyone I have offended by bringing a photograph of Peter to the 'Emancipation' premiere," he posted on Instagram. "My intent was to honor this remarkable man and to remind the general public that his image not only brought about change in 1863 but still resonates and promotes change today."

"Emancipation," which is now in theaters, tells the triumphant story of Peter, a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom.

McFarland worked with Bill Collage to create the script for the film. Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day," "The Equalizer,") directed and executive produced "Emancipation."

During the Courier Journal's previous interview with McFarland, he said, "I can't tell you what a dream this is. To have found the story of Peter who is the embodiment of the human spirit and to bring his story to life with this team is unbelievable."

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Joey McFarland film "Emancipation" starring Will Smith on Apple TV+