In an effort to expand its slate of star-studded movies, Netflix is set to produce an adaptation of the critically acclaimed play called The Piano Lesson starring Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington.
The movie will be directed by Malcolm Washington, for whom The Piano Lesson will be his directorial debut. Previously he was a second unit director on The Last Bookstore and The Trouble Man. The script is co-written by Malcolm Washington and Virgil Williams (Mudbound, 24, Criminal Minds).
(L-R) Malcolm Washington, Katia Washington, Pauletta Washington, and Denzel Washington
The Piano Lesson is produced by Denzel Washington and Katia Washington along with Todd Black. The movie seems like a family effort by the Washingtons with Denzel and his daughter Katia producing, while his sons Malcolm and John David are directing and starring respectively.
What’s the plot of The Piano Lesson?
Netflix’s The Piano Lesson is based on the 1987 play of the same name written by August Wilson to high critical and audience acclaim. It was nominated for multiple Tony Awards and Wilson won a Pulitzer Prize for it in 1990. The play was already adapted into a movie back in 1995 and starred Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard, Carl Gordon, and more.
Here’s the plot synopsis for Netflix’s The Piano Lesson:
At the heart of the story stands the ornately carved upright piano which, as the Charles family’s prized, hard-won possession, has been gathering dust in the parlor of Berniece Charles’s Pittsburgh home. When Boy Willie, Berniece’s exuberant brother, bursts into her life with his dream of buying the same Mississippi land that his family had worked as slaves, he plans to sell their antique piano for the hard cash he needs to stake his future. But Berniece refuses to sell, clinging to the piano as a reminder of the history that is their family legacy. This dilemma is the real “piano lesson,” reminding us that blacks are often deprived both of the symbols of their past and of opportunity in the present.
Who is cast in The Piano Lesson?
Big stars Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington are set to star in The Piano Lesson as Doaker Charles and Boy Willie, respectively, reprising their roles from the original stage play. Jackson will soon be seen in Marvel’s Secret Invasion, reprising his role as Nick Fury, and Washington’s most recent role was David O. Russell’s Amsterdam alongside Christian Bale and Margot Robbie.
Danielle Brooks has also been confirmed to be reprising her role as Berniece. Brooks was recently seen in the Peacemaker series and was a fan favorite in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black as Tasha ‘Taystee’ Jefferson.
Danielle Brooks in the stage production of The Piano Lesson (left) and in Orange Is the New Black.
It’s highly possible other cast members of the play will reprise their roles as well. They include actors like Ray Fisher (Justice League, Rebel Moon), Michael Potts (Rustin, True Detective), April Matthis (New Amsterdam), and more.
What’s the production status of The Piano Lesson?
Netflix’s The Piano Lesson is currently in pre-production with filming being eyed for an April 17, 2023 start. Production is to take place primarily in Atlanta, US.
What’s the Netflix release date for The Piano Lesson?
Netflix hasn’t announced the release date for The Piano Lesson, but given its potential April 2023 filming start, it would stand to reason to assume that the movie will be released sometime in the second half of 2024.
Are you looking forward to watching The Piano Lesson on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
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