Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington Leap from Stage to Screen in GrippingThe Piano LessonTrailer

Mar. 15, 2025

Samuel L. JacksonandJohn David Washingtonare taking one of their recent onstage collaborations,The Piano Lesson,to the screen.

After Jackson, his wifeLaTanya Richardson Jackson, John David andRay Fishercombined forces to reviveAugust Wilson’s play on Broadway in 2022, the pair are working with John David’s fatherDenzel Washingtonand the latter’s younger son,Malcolm Washington, to bring the story to Netflix.

Thetrailer that debutedWednesday, 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.

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John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson inThe Piano Lesson(2024).Courtesy of Netflix

Courtesy of Netflix

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“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 Lessonoriginated as a play in 1987. Jackson originated the role of Boy Willie when it opened at the Yale Repertory Theatre and laterworked as an understudyfor multiple roles when the production hit Broadway in 1990.

Poster forThe Piano Lesson(2024).Netflix

Netflix

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 fromErykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Jerrika Hinton, Gail Bean andCorey Hawkins. Two-timeOscarwinner Alexandre Desplat composed the music.

The Piano Lessonis in select theaters Nov. 8, then on Netflix Nov. 22.

source: people.com