Eight years after his Oscar-nominated performance in Fences, Denzel Washington is returning to the world of August Wilson: The actor/director/producer/national treasure is producing a new adaptation of the late playwright’s The Piano Lesson, directed by his son, Malcolm Washington. The new film carries over much of the cast from the show’s recent Broadway revival — including Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington. Read on to learn more about this particular Lesson. 

What is The Piano Lesson about?

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor. 

Washington has a deep connection to Wilson’s work: He directed and starred in 2016’s Fences, produced Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and in the past has spoken of his desire to complete the cycle on screen. “The estate of August Wilson came to me and said, ‘We would like to put August Wilson’s plays in your hands for you to produce and direct for film,’” Washington told Chaz Ebert during an interview at the American Black Film Festival in Miami. “I said, ‘I’m just the guy for the job.’ We’ve done three good ones so far.”

Who is in the cast of The Piano Lesson?

Honorary Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, The Avengers) and John David Washington (BlacKkKlansman, Tenet) reprise their roles from the 2022 Broadway revival, alongside Ray Fisher (Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Rebel Moon), Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Harder They Fall), Michael Potts (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Rustin) and Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, In the Heights). 

Also appearing in the film is Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter Erykah Badu, who will make a musical cameo appearance in the film. 

When is The Piano Lesson’s release date?

The Piano Lesson will stream on Netflix this year. Although Washington produced the film, he left the production in the capable hands of Malcolm Washington, who directed the film. “After about two weeks [on set], I went home,” Washington said at ABFF. “I was like, there’s really nothing for me to do here, I’m just in the way. I’m not saying this because he’s my son but he’s very talented.” 

Of course, Washington humbly gives all credit for both Malcolm and John David Washington’s talent to their mom, Pauletta Washington: “They all got it from their mother’s side. As long as I’ve known her, she’s been a movie buff. She got those kids to watch movies.”

What should I watch in the meantime?

Why not revisit Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman’s electrifying performances in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom?

The Netflix Movies You Love Are on TudumFrom interviews with the stars to behind-the-scenes exclusive content, you’ll find it here.