Samuel L. Jacksonis slated to star in the 2024 movie,The Piano Lesson,which is exciting but also a bit odd, as Denzel Washington would have been the perfect person to cast.The Piano Lessonis an upcoming movieset in Pittsburgh in 1936. In the aftermath of the Great Depression,the Charles family faces their past, particularly in relation to a family heirloom: a piano engraved by a former slave. The movie is based on the play of the same name by August Wilson. The movie is set for release on Netflix on July 20, 2025.
InThe Piano Lesson,Samuel L. Jackson’s characteris Doaker Charles. As Doaker’s nephew and niece, Boy Willie and Berniece, argue over what to do with the piano,Doaker provides the dark history of the piano. This makes it more than just a piece of property or an asset, but turns it into an important token of their family history. Samuel L. Jackson will likely bring his A-game for this role. Yet, it is still a bit strange that Jackson is the one to take on this part, considering Denzel Washington’s major ties to the project.
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Samuel L. Jackson Will Play John David Washington’s Uncle (Despite Denzel Being Involved With The Movie)
Denzel Washington’s Ties To The Piano Lesson
Samuel L. Jackson will play Doaker Charles and John David Washington will play his nephew, Boy Willie Charles. Notably,John David Washington is the real life son of Denzel Washington. However, Samuel L. Jackson is the one playing John David’s older relative onscreen. This discrepancy is even more strange considering that Denzel is a producer onThe Piano Lesson.If Denzel is already involved in the creation ofThe Piano Lesson,then it seems pointless to bring in another actor to play Doaker, especially when Denzel and John David are already related in real life and share that genuine familial similarity.
Denzel Washington has four children: John David, Malcolm, Katia, and Olivia.
This isn’t Denzel Washington’s only connection toThe Piano Lesson,either. Whilethe movie portrays John David Washingtonas Boy Willie in the film, the movie is also being co-written and directed by Malcolm Washington, Denzel’s other son. This will be Malcolm’s directorial and screenwriting debut.In this way,the Washington family is deeply embeddedinThe Piano Lessonand its development. From the cast and crew to the finances, the family is driving this car. This begs the question: why isn’t Denzel acting in the movie?
Why Samuel L. Jackson Stars In The Piano Lesson, Not Denzel Washington
Why It’s A Good Thing Washington Isn’t Playing Doaker
Ultimately, Samuel L. Jackson’s role as Doaker Charles makes much more sense than it does at first glance. In the 2022 stage production ofThe Piano Lesson,Jackson portrayed Doaker. Therefore, Jackson is simply reprising the role on-screen. Unlike Washington,Jackson has already played this characterand likely knows the ins and outs of the story. This makes him better equipped to play the part, regardless of Denzel’s involvement or his acting abilities.
In reality, it is a good thing that Denzel Washington is not starring inThe Piano Lesson.
In reality, it is a good thing that Denzel Washington is not starring inThe Piano Lesson.In some ways, he might have overshadowed his children if he had taken on the role of Doaker. John David Washington has already made a name for himself, but Malcolm Washington is taking his first steps onto the Hollywood scene. Thus,it’s important for Washington’s children to make themselves stand out, and Denzel may have gotten in the way of that. Thus, Denzel Washingtonmade the right decision, taking on a producing role and lettingSamuel L. Jacksonstar inThe Piano Lesson.
The Piano Lesson
Cast
In The Piano Lesson, a brother and sister clash over selling a family heirloom piano—he sees it as a path to wealth, while she views it as a vital link to their heritage. Their uncle tries to mediate, but the conflict reveals deep truths about identity, legacy, and the past.
