With his upcoming historical action thriller film “Emancipation” on the way, Academy Award winner Will Smith has been increasing his presence online following a forced hiatus amid backlash from his Oscars fallout. However, amid his promotional tour, the “King Richard” star drew concern from fans worried about his appearance.  

Speculations over Smith’s well-being were raised following a clip the proud Philly native shared to his Instagram page during a recent trip to the West Coast, where he treated the Los Angeles Lakers to a sneak peek of the new movie. However, his appearance has fans worried about whether the actor is happy. 

Will Smith. Photo: @willsmith/ Instagram

Comments echoed like one social media user who wrote, “It looks like his soul was sucked out of him. Let Will live man.” Another person wrote, “That man looks like he is still hurting.” “Bruh look at Unc eyes bro,” wrote a third person who then spoke to the actor directly writing, “Aye @willsmith you good OG??? Like fr fr are you Okay Unc????”

Smith’s last update came last August, nearly five months after walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock. Sources who spoke to People claimed: “Will is doing good. He spends a lot of time with Jada. He is very happy about her constant support. They are very close and back each other up. Family is everything to them.”

News of the movie’s impending release came in early October months after he resigned from the Academy before eventually being banned from attending any of their future events for a decade. The trailer for the film has already left many hoping for a reconciliation between the actor and the Academy should he receive a nomination of award for the project.

According to its description, “Emancipation” follows Smith’s character Peter, an enslaved man who, after being whipped nearly to death, escapes from a Louisiana plantation, outwitting slave hunters, as he makes his way to the free North and joins the Union Army. 

The film is based on the true story of Gordon or “Whipping Peter,” who became known as the subject of photographs documenting the extensive keloid scarring of his back from whippings received in slavery. 

“Emancipation” stars Smith, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Ben Foster, and newcomer Imani Pullum and is directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film hits theaters December 2.