During the latest episode of Kevin Hart’s “Hart to Heart” talk show on Thursday, renowned actor Will Smith opened up about the movie roles he nearly turned down, shedding light on the compelling backstory behind his iconic role in the blockbuster film “Men in Black.”
Smith credited James Lassiter, his former manager and longtime business partner, as the mastermind behind some of the most pivotal choices in his career. Lassiter’s keen eye for selecting roles led to the actor’s involvement in movies that later became highlights of his filmography, including “Pursuit of Happyness” and “Ali.”
However, when it came to “Men in Black,” Smith initially hesitated. His reservations stemmed from not wanting to appear in two consecutive alien-themed films, given that “Men in Black” followed his successful performance in “Independence Day.”
It was at this point that the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, whose company Amblin Entertainment produced the “Men in Black” franchise, personally intervened to convince Smith. Spielberg’s extraordinary efforts to persuade the actor involved sending a helicopter to New York, where Smith was located. The helicopter landed at Spielberg’s residence, from where the filmmaker engaged Smith in an influential conversation.
Recalling the unique encounter, Smith shared, “Steven Spielberg sent a helicopter for me… To talk to me. I was in New York. It landed at his house. And, like, he had me at hello.” The actor also humorously recounted how Spielberg served him a lemonade with carbonated water during the discussion, making it impossible to decline.
Smith went on to reveal an intriguing aspect of Spielberg’s persuasion tactics. The filmmaker, being the producer of the film, directly asked Smith, “Tell me why you don’t want to make my movie…” leaving an ellipsis at the end of the sentence. Smith believed that had Spielberg elaborated further, he might have playfully reminded the actor of his illustrious track record, having directed iconic films like “Jaws” and “E.T.”
Ultimately, Spielberg’s efforts proved successful, as Smith agreed to take on the lead role of Agent J in the “Men in Black” trilogy. The franchise went on to achieve immense success, further solidifying Smith’s position as a major Hollywood star.
In recent times, Will Smith’s exceptional talent was recognized when he won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of “King Richard” last year. His journey from nearly rejecting a role in “Men in Black” to becoming an Oscar winner highlights the pivotal moments that shape an actor’s career.
