John David Washington reprises his role as Boy Willie in the film adaptation of August Wilson's acclaimed play, The Piano Lesson, after previously portraying the character in the 2023 Broadway revival.

Directed by Malcolm Washington, who makes his feature directorial debut, the film is co-written by him and Denzel Washington, adding a personal touch to the adaptation.

This film adaptation expands on the original play, incorporating new scenes that were only hinted at in the script, providing a deeper exploration of the narrative.

The Piano Lesson has garnered numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, solidifying its status as a significant work in American theater.

The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins, many of whom reprise their roles from the Broadway revival.

The 2022 Broadway revival of The Piano Lesson set records as the highest-grossing revival of a play on Broadway, highlighting the enduring popularity of Wilson's work.

The film will have a limited theatrical release on November 8, 2024, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 22, 2024.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, John David Washington shared the challenges he faced in relearning the play for the film, noting significant changes in scenes and character motivations.

Denzel Washington, John David's father, serves as a producer for both the Broadway play and the film, while his mother provided detailed feedback after attending the play.