Apple has acquired the rights to Will Smith movie “Emancipation” in what is described as the largest film festival acquisition deal in the industry’s history.
The Cupertino tech giant reportedly spent more than $120 million to acquire the rights to “Emancipation,” an action-thriller about a slave on the run during the Civil War, for Apple TV+.
“Emancipation” will star Will Smith as Peter, a runaway slave who is forced to “outwit cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on a tortuous journey North where he joined the Union Army.” The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, is inspired by a true story.
Apple snagged the rights to the movie in a competitive environment, and there are reports of seven bidders when the package was brought to market in late June as the Virtual Cannes festival’s signature film.
Bidding surged past $75 million as the buyers were whittled down to Apple and Warner Bros. The iPhone maker won out, with a bid of at least $125 million, according to Deadline
Reportedly, the intention is said to begin production on “Emancipation” sometime in 2021. The film will open in theaters before being released on Apple TV+.
