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How ‘The Piano Lesson’ Builds on Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s Family Legacy With Malcolm, John David and Katia Washington Taking the Lead

Netflix's 'The Piano Lesson' sees Denzel and Pauletta Washington's kids Malcolm, John David and Katia Washington take center stage.

Malcolm, who was named to Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch list hours before the premiere, added: “Central to this adaptation was making something accessible to young people, that they can see themselves in. It’s fitting that a real family made “The Piano Lesson” since the film since is about navigating all the challenges of being kin — sibling conflict, overcoming generational trauma and determining what will ultimately define a legacy. Their uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson, who originated the role of Boy Willie in the 1987 production) attempts to mediate, but as the film’s synopsis explains, “even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past.” The movie’s ensemble also includes Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, Skylar Aleece Smith, Gail Bean and Erykah Badu.

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