The long-awaited film version of August Wilson’s Tony- and Pulitzer-winning drama Fences, starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and several other cast members of the acclaimed 2010 Broadway revival, has set December 16 as its premiere date, making it eligible for 2017 Academy Awards consideration.
Two-time Oscar winner Washington and Davis play the lead roles of Troy and Rose Maxson, performances that won them Tony Awards in 2010. Mykelti Williamson plays the role of Gabriel, and Russell Hornsby again plays Lyons in the film.
Update: Although Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner had been announced to adapt the script, a spokesperson for Paramount told Playbill.com that the film is using the script created by Wilson himself before his death in 2005.
The movie will open in limited release Decmber 16, but open across that country on Christmas Day, according to Deadline.com.
Washington also directs. He plays the role created on Broadway by James Earl Jones. Washington has a separate deal with HBO to bring the rest of Wilson’s “Century Cycle” or “Pittsburgh Cycle” plays to the small screen. The Fences project reportedly is not included, and is being produced for Paramount by Washington and Scott Rudin.
Also cast in the film: Jovan Adepo (The Leftovers) as Washington’s son Cory and Saniyya Sidney (Roots, Hidden Figures) as daughter Raynell.
Fences won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.