Production and release
Washington was first informed of the project by actor Robert Davi; [2] with Washington becoming enthralled by Bass Reeves after having a conversation with a woman who had been attempting to produce the project. Washington offered to direct the work, after production almost ceased due to internal disputes surrounding the film. [3]
In September 2020, Deadline reported that Washington was directing Corsicana, a film based on the life of Bass Reeves, with filming currently underway. [4] The film features the city Corsicana, Texas, with screenwriter Robert Johnson noting that he wanted "to bring something to the city of Corsicana, a city I love...Bass Reeves never set foot in Corsicana and that's why it's historical fiction but I did want to pay homage to Corsicana. [5]
The film received a limited theatrical release in August 2022, in Texas. [5] Washington promoted the film's release in Chicago, hosting screenings, meet and greet, and Q&A events. [6]
In May 2023, 101 Films International picked up international distribution rights to the film. [7]
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