Watch Corey Hawkins in The Piano Lesson Trailer from Walking Dead Creator

Actor Corey Hawkins began his acting career off-Broadway, eventually landing guest-starring roles on television. He is notably recognized for his role as Heath in AMC’s enduring series, The Walking Dead. Hawkins has also starred in a variety of other projects such as Straight Outta Compton, 24: Legacy, Kong: Skull Island, and BlacKkKlansman. Next, Hawkins will appear in Netflix’s upcoming film, The Piano Lesson.

The drama The Piano Lesson is directed by Malcolm Washington, marking his feature directorial debut. Washington co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams. The film is based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play from 1987. The Piano Lesson is set to premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024, and will have a theatrical release on November 8, followed by a Netflix debut on November 22.

Denzel Washington is a producer for The Piano Lesson. He has previously directed, produced, and starred in Fences (2016), another adaptation of Wilson’s work, alongside Viola Davis. His performance in Fences earned him an Oscar nomination. Additionally, Washington produced George C. Wolfe’s adaptation of Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

During an interview at the American Black Film Festival in Miami, Denzel Washington spoke about Wilson’s influence on his work.

“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,’ I said, ‘I’m just the guy for the job.’ We’ve done three good ones so far.”

– Denzel Washington

Malcolm Washington discussed the film’s legacy in his director’s statement, saying, “The process of adapting an American Classic is a terrifying and sacred undertaking.”

The story centers on the Charles family and their treasured heirloom, a piano that holds carvings documenting the family’s history, created by an enslaved ancestor. Set in Pittsburgh in the aftermath of the Great Depression, the narrative unfolds within the Doaker Charles household.

Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington, who are part of the cast, also starred in the recent Broadway revival of the play.

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Erykah Badu makes a musical cameo in the film.

Don’t miss The Piano Lesson on Netflix beginning November 22.