A blow with serious consequences. A week after the Oscar scandal, there are now serious consequences for Will Smith (53).
By Alexander Frederick
On Friday, the actor left the Academy on his own accord after slapping Chris Rock (57) on stage at the 94th Academy Awards for making fun of his wife Jada’s (50) hair loss. It was almost impossible that it would only remain with the resignation.
Two big names in Hollywood are now following suit and are ending their collaboration with Will Smith for the time being. Streaming giant Netflix is putting production on hold on new movie Foot and Loose, which Smith was set to star in.
According to the “Hollywood Reporter”, they were just looking for a new director for the project, because shortly before the Oscars David Leitch (“Atomic Blonde”) suddenly jumped out. However, due to the Smith scandal, the crime thriller will now be discontinued entirely until further notice.
In 2018, Smith helped the streaming provider to make the most successful film to date with the action hit “Bright”, so a second part was almost certain, but “Bright 2” is now becoming increasingly unlikely.
Sony’s film studio also seems to have little desire for further collaboration with the superstar. The productions are now also on hold. The cult series “Bad Boys” was supposed to get a fourth part, Smith had only just received the first 40 pages of the script, but according to the “Hollywood Reporter” the film is now on pause.
Streaming provider Apple, on the other hand, is in a dilemma. Having just won the Oscars for “Best Picture” with “Coda”, the drama “Emancipation” with Will Smith is now in the starting blocks.
In contrast to the projects of the competition, the title has already been filmed and is due to appear on Apple TV+ soon. It remains to be seen how those responsible will deal with this.
In “Emancipation,” Smith plays a slave who escapes from a Louisiana plantation. Insiders were anticipating Smith could be nominated for another Oscar for his brilliant acting performance in the film.
Is this the beginning of Will Smith’s retirement?
It is clear that not only the film star is heavily criticized, but also the Academy responsible for the Oscars. Minutes later, instead of expelling Smith from the house after his attack on comedian Chris Rock, he was awarded the Oscar for best actor and received a standing ovation.
Also read about this
► Chris Rock speaks publicly about Will Smith’s slap for the first time
► Will Smith resigns from film academy
The highest award in the film business for an act of violence and bodily harm – that raises questions. Especially bitter for all other Oscar winners: After the scandal, there was only one topic: Smith. Films and filmmakers went under completely. A new low for the Oscars.
The Academy plans to hold a full consultation on the case in April, but Smith will keep his award for the time being. Chris Rock himself refrained from an ad. Bizarre: For Smith, his greatest career triumph could also mean his deep fall.
