Netflix has just released a brand-new horror drama starring John David Washington calledThe Piano Lesson, with its cast and story havingimportant connections to Denzel Washington’s 2016 movieFences. Directed by Malcolm Washington,The Piano Lesson’s castis led by Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Deadwyler as Doaker, Boy Willie, and Berniece Charles. Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1936, the drama follows the Charles relatives as they fight over the fate of their family piano, which features designs carved by their enslaved ancestor.
The Piano Lessonfinally landed on Netflix on June 27, 2025 to outstanding reviews from critics.The film currently holds a “Certified Fresh” 90% score from critics onRotten Tomatoes, with substantial praise being directed at the cast performances, genre-blending horror and drama approach, and moving, authenticadaptation of August Wilson’s 1987The Piano Lessonplay. With awards buzz, critical acclaim, and narrative similarities,The Piano Lesson’s successful release provides a fitting reminder to watch 2016’sFences, another Washington family-led, August Wilson-based drama film.
The Piano Lesson & Fences Are Both Based On Plays In August Wilson’s “The Pittsburgh Cycle” Series
The Piano Lesson & Fences Are Part Of Denzel Washington’s Film Adaptation Deal With The Pittsburgh Cycle
Netflix’sThe Piano Lessonand the 2016 dramaFencesareboth adaptations of plays within August Wilson’sThe Pittsburgh Cycle. Wilson has ten plays featured in this cycle, which explore the lives, conflicts, and experiences of Black families in Pittsburgh across different decades. The narratives of these plays aren’t necessarily interconnected, but some characters do appear across multiple titles.Fences(set in the 1950s) was the third entry in August Wilson’s acclaimedPittsburgh Cycle, withThe Piano Lesson(set in the 1930s) marking the fifth installment.
The first play in August Wilson’sPittsburgh Cycleis 1982’sJitney, which is set in the 1970s.
In 2016, Wilson’sPittsburgh Cycleseries received a resurgence in mainstream popularity on the big screen, asDenzel Washington adaptedFencesinto a film that he directed, produced, and starred in.Fencesbecame a big awards successwith substantial acclaim from critics, currently holding an impressive 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie went on to receive four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress, with Washington and co-star Viola Davis both winning top acting awards at the SAG Awards for their roles.
Fences Ending Explained: The True Meaning Of That Shocking Time Jump & Death
Fences is the critically acclaimed 2016 adaptation of the classic play, and here is the film’s ending explained as well as what it all means.
The success ofFencesled toDenzel Washington producing additional adaptations of August Wilson’s playsfrom thePittsburgh Cycle, including Netflix’sMa Rainey’s Black Bottomin 2020 and, now,The Piano Lessonin 2024. ThoughDenzel Washington doesn’t star inThe Piano Lessonlike he did inFences, he still plays a key part in the film’s creative choices as a producer.
There are some compelling, haunting thematic similarities and contrasts between Denzel Washington’s Troy Maxson and John David Washington’s Boy Willie Charles, who play comparable roles in their respective stories.
Some of August Wilson’sPittsburgh Cyclestories share some overlap in characters, but that isn’t the case forFencesandThe Piano Lesson. Still, withThe Piano Lesson’s Charles family story taking place in the 1930s, itfeels like a narrative lead-in to the drama and experiences ofFences’ Maxson family in the 1950s. There are some compelling, haunting thematic similarities and contrasts between Denzel Washington’s Troy Maxson and John David Washington’s Boy Willie Charles, who play comparable roles in their respective stories, makingFencesandThe Piano Lessonan emotionally heavy, yet powerful double-feature viewing experience.
The Piano Lesson & Fences Are Both Led By Members Of Denzel Washington’s Family
Denzel Washington’s Family Members Play Various Parts In The Piano Lesson After Fences
Not only areThe Piano LessonandFencestied together by their basis in August Wilson’s plays, but they also share plenty of overlap through Denzel Washington’s family.Fencesstarred and was directed and produced byOscar winner Denzel Washington, withThe Piano Lessonexpanding its personnel to include the next generation of Washingtons. With Denzel Washington still serving as the producer,The Piano Lessonalso stars his son John David Washington, wife Pauletta Washington, and daughter Olivia Washington. Furthermore, the film is executive produced by his daughter, Katia Washington, and is directed and co-written by his son Malcolm Washington.
Olivia Washington
Actor (Young Mama Ola)
The Piano Lessonisn’t thefirst movie that Denzel and John David Washington have worked ontogether, as the younger Washington appeared in minor roles in 1992’sMalcolm Xand 1995’sDevil in a Blue Dress. However,The Piano Lessonis the first time that Malcolm Washington has collaborated with his father, brother, sisters, and mother as a director. Malcolm Washington previously produced the 2021 movieNorth Hollywood, withThe Piano Lessonmarking his directorial debut. After Denzel Washington received Oscar nods forFences, his sons will likely follow suit withThe Piano Lesson.
What The Next Denzel Washington-Produced August Wilson Movie Will Be After The Piano Lesson
Denzel Washington’s Next Pittsburgh Cycle Movie Goes Further Back In Time
Denzel Washington announced in 2015 that he would be producing film adaptations of all 10 plays in August Wilson’sPittsburgh Cycle. Washington has now adapted three of these 10, with more on the way soon. In September 2024,Denzel Washington confirmed that his next August Wilson adaptationwould be of1986’sJoe Turner’s Come and Gone. Set in the 1910s,Joe Turner’s Come and Gonebrings the Pittsburgh focus to two decades beforeThe Piano Lesson’s timeline. So far, no cast and crew details have been announced for Netflix’sJoe Turner’s Come and Goneadaptation, other than Denzel Washington producing.
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.
Fences
Fences is a period drama written by American playwright August Wilson. It was directed by Denzel Washington, who also plays Troy Maxson, a garbage collector whose checkered past prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a baseball player. The movie was well-received by both critics and viewers, with many praising Washington’s performance as the bitter sanitation worker.
