In the early Nineties, Will Smith set his sights on becoming the “biggest movie star in the world.” With his success in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and as a rapper, Smith strategized with his manager, James Lassiter, analyzing successful movies to create a formula for box-office hits. Their focus on special effects, creatures, and love stories led to successes like Independence Day, Men in Black, and I, Robot.
Despite doubts after the Oscars incident with Chris Rock in 2022, Smith’s career is far from over. Fast and Loose and Emancipation faced setbacks, but his latest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, exceeded expectations, earning $104.6m globally. The public’s forgiveness for the “Slapgate” incident is evident, marking Smith’s comeback.
However, attributing Smith’s career challenges solely to the Oscars incident is simplistic. His creative choices have varied in quality, with recent films like Gemini Man and Focus receiving mixed reviews. The question arises: what can the film industry do for Smith’s career trajectory?
While controversies like the Oscars incident stir debate, they don’t define a career. Bad Boys: Ride or Die signals Smith’s resurgence, showcasing his enduring popularity. Moving forward, Smith has the opportunity to break free from past stagnation and reclaim his position as a leading movie star.
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