Many believe that Will Smith is on the last stage of his career. Find out if there is any weight to that statement

Is Will Smith’s Career Over? The ‘Enemy of the State’ Actor Sends Out a Promising Message About His Future

While Will Smith has had a rocky personal life for some years now, the actor’s
professional game was always on point. Ever since his first project, he has
churned out massive blockbusters one after the other. Granted, Will is often
regarded as more than a star than an actor, but his performances in films like
Pursuit of Happyness and even King Richard have time and again proved people
wrong. In fact, in 2019, Smith had 3 releases in the calendar year and it seemed
like things would only get better.



However, that one fateful night of March 27, 2022, had a massive impact. On the
one hand, was his Best Actor Award for King Richard, but on the other was the
notorious Slapgate incident with comedian Chris Rock
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-chris-rock-left-with-mixed-feelings-after-will-smith-apology-video-ready-to-meet-but-on-one-condition-chris-will-call-him-but-only-if/].
In the wake of the altercation, as Smith was losing respect and projects in the
industry, many believed this was the end of him. Half a year and some efforts of
reconciliation later, things might be looking up for the Men in Black actor.

ALSO READ: Are Chris Rock and Will Smith Friends? How Did the Slapgate Affect
Their Friendship?
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-are-chris-rock-and-will-smith-friends-how-did-the-slapgate-affect-their-friendship/]


THE FUTURE LOOKS ANYTHING BUT BLEAK FOR WILL SMITH

The immediate aftermath of the infamous slap unsurprisingly saw a dip in Smith’s
reputation and credibility. Apart from a decade-long ban from the Oscars, many
of his ongoing or soon-to-begin projects were either on an indefinite pause or
scrapped entirely. These included two Netflix films; Council and Bright 2. While
there might be some ambiguity regarding the streaming giant’s reason for
canceling Bright 2
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflixs-decision-to-cancel-bright-2-might-not-be-related-to-will-smith-chris-rock-oscars-slapgate/],
the fate still remains.



Having said that, things have taken a turn for the good with a massive
crowd-pleaser. We are talking about Bad Boys 4. The fourth film in the hit
franchise was already behind schedule due to delays with Bad Boys for Life While
it was convenient to blame it on the slap, Tom Rothman, chairman of Sony
invalidated any such rumors in his interview
[https://www.indiewire.com/2022/05/will-smith-bad-boys-4-update-oscars-slap-1234726970/]
with Deadline. He even confirmed that the film is still in the making.

“No. That was inaccurate. That movie’s been in development and still is. There
weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving.”

Even the Will Smith Biopic by Netflix is allegedly back on track. Another film
that is very much still in the pipeline is I am Legend 2, which also stars Black
Panther’s Michael B. Jordan alongside Smith. However, one of Will Smith’s
biggest projects to come out in the near future is, of course, Emancipation.

ALSO READ: “I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery”- Will Smith
Reveals Why He Did the Historical Drama Film ‘Emancipation’
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-ive-turned-down-many-films-that-were-set-in-slavery-will-smith-reveals-why-he-did-the-historical-drama-film-emancipation/]


EMANCIPATION PUTS THE FRESH PRINCE BACK ON THE MAP

While this Apple TV film also suffered delays, the film is in fact out there.
Grated, its official release is on December 2, 2022, Apple recently held a
special screening. After six months, finally, Will Smith was generating a buzz
for something other than the Oscars. Although with its great reception so far,
there is chatter about yet another Oscar nomination
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netfix-news-can-will-smith-find-himself-in-oscar-nomination-for-his-first-movie-since-slap-incident/]
for the actor.



Antoine Fuqua, known for his impressive films like Training Day, The Guilty, The
Equaliser series, and more, directed the film. As Smith uploaded the teaser for
the film on his channel, he even expressed his feelings regarding the same in
the caption.

“This was the hardest movie I’ve ever made. Blood, Sweat & Tears… LITERALLY!”

ALSO READ: “…For our community and our history” – Initial Reviews of Will
Smith’s ‘Emancipation’ Reflect Power and Hope
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-for-our-community-and-our-history-initial-reviews-of-will-smiths-emancipation-reflect-power-and-hope/]

Can Will Smith actually get an Oscar for this film? Only time will tell.
Nevertheless, his career is far from over. Let us know your thoughts in the
comments. Until Emancipation graces our screens, you can watch Seven Pounds
streaming [https://www.netflix.com/title/70104313] on Netflix.

Natasha Vijan

Comment

Is Will Smith’s Career Over? The ‘Enemy of the State’ Actor Sends Out a Promising Message About His Future - Netflix Junkie

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Natasha is a writer at Netflix Junkie. Despite completing her Masters in Architecture from Hochschule Anhalt in Germany, she decided to follow her passion for storytelling.

Apart from working as an architect in the past, Natasha currently also ghostwrites for various travel and lifestyle blogs like italyfoodies.com, mypureplants.com and more. Moreover, she has also been involved as a screenplay analyst with Outstanding Screenplays London.

An avid cinephile, Natasha especially enjoys quirky dark comedies and gangster films. She can talk about films by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for days and even aspires to make her own film someday. When not at work, she can be found at at outdoor music concert or a stand-up gig. Additionally, she’s a feminist, LGBTQIA ally and a strong mental health advocate.

https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-is-will-smith-career-over-the-enemy-of-the-state-actor-sends-out-a-promising-message-about-his-future

Is Will Smith’s Career Over? The ‘Enemy of the State’ Actor Sends Out a Promising Message About His Future - netflix-junkie

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While Will Smith has had a rocky personal life for some years now, the actor&#8217;s professional game was always on point. Ever since his first project, he has churned out massive blockbusters one after the other. Granted, Will is often regarded as more than a star than an actor, but his performances in films like Pursuit of Happyness and even King Richard have time and again proved people wrong. In fact, in 2019, Smith had 3 releases in the calendar year and it seemed like things would only get better.
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Will Smith SLAPS Chris Rock at Oscars 2022" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z4t1CC7-UFE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
However, that one fateful night of March 27, 2022, had a massive impact. On the one hand, was his Best Actor Award for King Richard, but on the other was the notorious Slapgate incident with <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-chris-rock-left-with-mixed-feelings-after-will-smith-apology-video-ready-to-meet-but-on-one-condition-chris-will-call-him-but-only-if/">comedian Chris Rock</a>. In the wake of the altercation, as Smith was losing respect and projects in the industry, many believed this was the end of him. Half a year and some efforts of reconciliation later, things might be looking up for the Men in Black actor.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-are-chris-rock-and-will-smith-friends-how-did-the-slapgate-affect-their-friendship/" rel="bookmark">Are Chris Rock and Will Smith Friends? How Did the Slapgate Affect Their Friendship?</a>
<h2>The future looks anything but bleak for Will Smith</h2>
The immediate aftermath of the infamous slap unsurprisingly saw a dip in Smith&#8217;s reputation and credibility. Apart from a decade-long ban from the Oscars, many of his ongoing or soon-to-begin projects were either on an indefinite pause or scrapped entirely. These included two Netflix films; Council and Bright 2. While there might be some ambiguity regarding the streaming giant&#8217;s reason for <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflixs-decision-to-cancel-bright-2-might-not-be-related-to-will-smith-chris-rock-oscars-slapgate/">canceling Bright 2</a>, the fate still remains.
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Will Smith &amp; Martin Lawrence To Move Forward With &quot;Bad Boys 4&quot; Regardless Of Oscars Scandal" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZJrF3S8ZQE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Having said that, things have taken a turn for the good with a massive crowd-pleaser. We are talking about Bad Boys 4. The fourth film in the hit franchise was already behind schedule due to delays with Bad Boys for Life While it was convenient to blame it on the slap, Tom Rothman, chairman of Sony invalidated any such rumors in his <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2022/05/will-smith-bad-boys-4-update-oscars-slap-1234726970/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> with Deadline. He even confirmed that the film is still in the making.
&#8220;No. That was inaccurate. That movie’s been in development and still is. There weren’t any brakes to pump because the car wasn’t moving.&#8221;
Even the Will Smith Biopic by Netflix is allegedly back on track. Another film that is very much still in the pipeline is I am Legend 2, which also stars Black Panther&#8217;s Michael B. Jordan alongside Smith. However, one of Will Smith&#8217;s biggest projects to come out in the near future is, of course, Emancipation.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-ive-turned-down-many-films-that-were-set-in-slavery-will-smith-reveals-why-he-did-the-historical-drama-film-emancipation/" rel="bookmark">“I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery”- Will Smith Reveals Why He Did the Historical Drama Film ‘Emancipation’</a>
<h2>Emancipation puts The Fresh Prince back on the map</h2>
While this Apple TV film also suffered delays, the film is in fact out there. Grated, its official release is on December 2, 2022, Apple recently held a special screening. After six months, finally, Will Smith was generating a buzz for something other than the Oscars. Although with its great reception so far, there is chatter about yet another<a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netfix-news-can-will-smith-find-himself-in-oscar-nomination-for-his-first-movie-since-slap-incident/"> Oscar nomination</a> for the actor.
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Emancipation - Official Teaser" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xxaXY_LH6Fg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Antoine Fuqua, known for his impressive films like Training Day, The Guilty, The Equaliser series, and more, directed the film. As Smith uploaded the teaser for the film on his channel, he even expressed his feelings regarding the same in the caption.
&#8220;This was the hardest movie I’ve ever made. Blood, Sweat &amp; Tears… LITERALLY!&#8221;
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-for-our-community-and-our-history-initial-reviews-of-will-smiths-emancipation-reflect-power-and-hope/" rel="bookmark">“…For our community and our history” – Initial Reviews of Will Smith’s ‘Emancipation’ Reflect Power and Hope</a>
Can Will Smith actually get an Oscar for this film? Only time will tell. Nevertheless, his career is far from over. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Until Emancipation graces our screens, you can watch Seven Pounds <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70104313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">streaming</a> on Netflix.

Are Chris Rock and Will Smith Friends? How Did the Slapgate Affect Their
Friendship?

“…For our community and our history” – Initial Reviews of Will Smith’s
‘Emancipation’ Reflect Power and Hope

“I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery”- Will Smith Reveals Why
He Did the Historical Drama Film ‘Emancipation’

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Natasha is a writer at Netflix Junkie. Despite completing her Masters in Architecture from Hochschule Anhalt in Germany, she decided to follow her passion for storytelling. Apart from working as an architect in the past, Natasha currently also ghostwrites for various travel and lifestyle blogs like italyfoodies.com, mypureplants.com and more. Moreover, she has also been involved as a screenplay analyst with Outstanding Screenplays London. An avid cinephile, Natasha especially enjoys quirky dark comedies and gangster films. She can talk about films by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for days and even aspires to make her own film someday. When not at work, she can be found at at outdoor music concert or a stand-up gig. Additionally, she’s a feminist, LGBTQIA ally and a strong mental health advocate.

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Is Will Smith’s Career Over? The ‘Enemy of the State’ Actor Sends Out a Promising Message About His Future

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