The Piano Lesson set for November release (plus, watch the trailer!)

Get ready to mark your calendars, because one of the most anticipated films of the year, The Piano Lesson, is tuning up for its Netflix debut this November!

Adapted from August Wilson's celebrated play, The Piano Lesson not only brings a powerful story to the screen but also marks the directorial debut of Malcolm Washington. The film will first hit select theaters on November 8, 2024, before making its way to the streaming giant.

Set against the backdrop of 1936 Pittsburgh, The Piano Lesson dives deep into the heart of the Charles family and their most prized possession: an intricately carved piano that echoes their heritage, struggles, and dreams.

The story follows their emotional journey as they wrestle with a life-changing decision -- whether to sell the piano to reclaim their ancestral land or hold onto it as a symbol of their past. As Netflix's official logline teases:

"A family clash over an heirloom piano explodes. The battle between brother and sister - one hopes to sell it, the other refuses to give it up - unleashes haunting truths about how the past is perceived and who defines a family legacy."

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But that's just the beginning! Curious about the release date, the star-studded cast, and everything else you need to know about this gripping adaptation? You're in the right place! Join us as we dive into all the details about The Piano Lesson -- including a sneak peek at the trailer below!

What is The Piano Lesson about?

As we’ve touched on earlier, The Piano Lesson follows the Charles family and their deep connection to a priceless heirloom -- an intricately carved piano crafted by their enslaved ancestor.

Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this film explores the complex dynamics of identity, resilience, and the quest for legacy. It’s a story that unearths profound truths about how we view our past and who has the power to shape our future.

Directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut, this adaptation promises to bring a fresh and compelling vision to the screen. The official synopsis, as per Netflix, reads:

"A battle is brewing in the Charles household. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano, tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a sister will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Their uncle tries to mediate, but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past."

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Curious to see more? Check out the official trailer below for a sneak peek into this powerful upcoming film:

Who stars in The Piano Lesson?

If you’ve just watched the trailer for The Piano Lesson and thought, “Wait, is that who I think it is?” -- you’re absolutely right! This upcoming film boasts an all-star cast that’s sure to bring these complex characters to life in unforgettable ways.

According to IMDb, the talented cast includes:

• Samuel L. Jackson as Doaker
• John David Washington as Boy Willie
• Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece
• Ray Fisher as Lymon
• Corey Hawkins as Avery
• Michael Potts as Wining Boy
• Skylar Smith as Maretha
• Stephan James as Boy Charles
• Erykah Badu as Lucille
• Malik J Ali as Willie Boy
• Charity Jordan as Mama Berniece
• Isaiah Gunn as Young Boy Willie
• Matrell Smith as Crawley
• Jerrika Hinton as Grace
• Gail Bean as Dolly
• Eilan Joseph as Papa Boy Walter
• Pauletta Washington as Mama Ola
• Olivia Washington as Young Mama Ola

With a lineup like this, The Piano Lesson is set to be a must-watch!

When can you watch The Piano Lesson on Netflix?

As we mentioned earlier, The Piano Lesson will first hit the big screen with a limited theatrical release starting November 8, 2024.

But if you’re planning to cozy up on the couch for this one, don’t worry -- you won’t have to wait too long! The Piano Lesson is set to make its Netflix debut on November 22, 2024.

For Netflix viewers in the U.S., you can start streaming this gripping film at 3 a.m. ET or 12 a.m. PT.

Not in those time zones? No problem! We’ve got you covered with the full global release schedule for The Piano Lesson below. Wherever you are in the world, you won’t miss a single must-watch moment.

Netflix global release times

• Hawaii: 9:00 p.m. HST on Thursday, November 21
• Alaska: 11:00 p.m. AKST on Thursday, November 21
• West Coast of the US: 12:00 a.m. PT on Friday, November 22
• Mountain Time of the US: 1:00 a.m. MT on Friday, November 22
• Midwest of the US: 2:00 a.m. CT on Friday, November 22
• East Coast of the US: 3:00 a.m. ET on Friday, November 22
• Brazil: 4:00 a.m. BRT on Friday, November 22
• England: 8:00 a.m. GMT on Friday, November 22
• France: 9:00 a.m. CET on Friday, November 22
• Germany: 9:00 a.m. CET on Friday, November 22
• Italy: 9:00 a.m. CET on Friday, November 22
• Spain: 9:00 a.m. CET on Friday, November 22
• Israel: 10:00 a.m. IST on Friday, November 22
• South Africa: 10:00 a.m. SAST on Friday, November 22
• Dubai, UAE: 12:00 p.m. GST on Friday, November 22
• India: 1:30 p.m. IST on Friday, November 22
• South Korea: 5:00 p.m. KST on Friday, November 22
• Japan: 5:00 p.m. JST on Friday, November 22
• Sydney, Australia: 6:00 p.m. AEDT on Friday, November 22

Now, everyone can plan their viewing accordingly, no matter where they are!