The Piano Lesson is the latest classic play by August Wilson getting its big-screen adaptation, and its cast is going to be as amazing as it gets. Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington will lead this period drama, with Denzel Washington coming on board as producer.
In addition to the leading duo, this film will also star Ray Fisher (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Michael Potts (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), and Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton).
According to Netflix’s official logline, The Piano Lesson will chronicle the lives of the Charles family in the aftermath of the Great Depression by focusing on an important heirloom—the family piano which documents their family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.
Adaptations of August Wilson’s classic plays experienced a boom in Hollywood in recent years after Denzel Washington vowed to continue the author’s legacy. He directed and starred in the adaptation of Fences in 2016 and produced Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in 2020, both starring Viola Davis.
The Piano Lesson will be somewhat of a family affair for Denzel Washington. In addition to starring his son John David Washington, this film will also serve as the directorial and screenwriting debut of his brother, Malcolm Washington.
