Will Smith was knee deep in alligator infested swamp every day for 'Emancipation': 'This was the hardest film of my career'

For the movie premiere, Will Smith walks the red carpet with wife Jada Pinkett Smith, and his three children (Trey, Jaden and Willow) in Los Angeles, California. Photo: AFP

More than eight months after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Oscar stage and entered Hollywood purgatory, the 54-year-old resurfaces with a starring role in new film Emancipation.

This is his first major release since winning the Best Actor award for King Richard.