The Bizarre State of Will Smith's Career

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From Bad Boys to Men in Black, Will Smith spent decades at the top of the Hollyhood heap. These days, post-The Slap, things are a little more complicated. In this video I go over the past and future of The Fresh Prince.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
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Special thanks to Andrew Elliott (Stalli111: / stalli111 ) for editing this video.

[@captainmidnight]

What's your favorite and least favorite Will Smith movie? Go to brilliant.org/Midnight/ and sign up for free 30 day trial, the first 200 people that go to that link will get 20% off the annual Premium subscription.

[@ComicXanz]

I-Robot

[@Jumbalowbumbalow]

Men in black

[@Timewarpiaman]

Best: Men In Black Worst: After Earth

[@anubusx]

Worst: Collateral Beauty.

[@t84t748748t6]

independence day and man in black made his movie career and almost every thing recent his worst smith was young and fun now hey is old and needs something new

[@redbearddan2000]

I always found his choices weird: he refused to star in "The Matrix", but chose "Wild Wild West"; he refused to star in "Django Unchained", but chose "After Earth"; he refused to return to "Independence Day", but chose "Suicide Squad" (2016)

[@MisterFoxx]

Lol I’m pretty sure a lot of people in his shoes would’ve turned down The Matrix after the pitch he heard. That’s a hindsight thing. Also, After Earth was his idea and it was originally going to be a more realistic take where father and son get stuck during a camping trip. And nobody blames him for not coming back for Independence Day 2. Suicide Squad was a different realm for him so I didn’t mind that choice and he was a bright spot of the movie, plus it’s one of his biggest movies and did better than Independence Day 2. So even with the weird choices he still came out on the better end in some form or fashion. Hell, Wild Wild West gave him a number one song haha. But I am still disappointed he didn’t pick up Django.

[@brainfreeeeeze]

Wild Wild West wasnt too surprising if you look at it in the context of what it was. It was the exact same thing as Men in Black, it took the buddy cop formula and threw it in to a different genre. Like this video said, it was the safe bet.

[@Vivi_9]

Understand him son, he's the quickest there is, the slickest there is..

[@TheTideKing004]

​@brainfreeeeeze nah chosing to start in something like wild wild west made him the butt of a joke for a long ass time. I personally think he turned down the matrix purely because he just didn't understand the script at all. But at the same time I think that keanu was probably the perfect choice.

[@redbearddan2000]

@@TheTideKing004 in my opinion, the role of Neo required someone more cold-tempered and calm, so Will Smith would have fit worse than Keanu Reeves anyway

[@marcus3445]

Will Smith can act. I hate how bad his movie choices are.

[@diegorojas8959]

Will is a lot like the Rock, both are really good actors but most often than not they end just playing themselves in most movies.

[@AngrySilence]

He's fine. No Daniel Day-Lewis.

[@Turtlpwr]

He’s so good of an actor, he’s acting like bad movies are worth his time.

[@HoodedSpidey]

So can Jaden, unfortunately all it took was one bad movie to sink his Hollywood image

[@TurboGauchiste]

Yeah the same for the Rock

[@tommylakindasorta3068]

Will Smith has had a weird life. He got super famous at a young age and has stayed super famous for decades. Not many people have experienced that. It seems like both a blessing and a curse.

[@Not_Always]

He has had a lot of misses along the way. The narrative that everything he touched was gold is very false.

[@N0TYALC]

Just a blessing, actually. The only reason fame destroys so many people is because the people who seek fame are usually the worst at handling it.

[@Insanepie]

@@N0TYALCit’s definitely not a blessing… being famous sucks… you literally can’t do anything without a bunch of people watching you closely and criticising and picking apart every little thing

[@Jaco059]

@@N0TYALCya Will also lost it in the muck it’s a bummer. Men who get cucked and are in abusive relationships just can’t demand respect. On the movie front he’s become fairly inconsistent.

[@SadfoxGuyver]

Picking that woman is a curse

[@Zombiesnyder13]

The problem with Will Smith is that he always wants to look cool He didn't wanted to do THE MATRIX because he thought it wouldn't make him look cool And now he mostly takes big projects instead of smaller and simpler ones

[@redmangoose182]

It's funny, because The Matrix IS cool.

[@dangerfly]

How is it different from those action guys with contracts that prevent them from losing fights? It's as artificial and lame as Smith's laugh...

[@hoodys]

Reminds me of Jennifer Lopez always needing to look pretty.

[@casualcausalityy]

​@@dangerflyIf the action heroes were as publicly cucked it would be very bad for their careers too

[@RemingtonMiles-sr9uf]

Will has never looked or been cool in real life away from the cameras.

[@autodidacticasphyxiation7895]

I think a good comparison is Adam Sandler, high-profile comedic actor in the 1990s that rarely stretches himself outside of his "known-to-work" bubble, but when he does (Punch-Drunk Love, Uncut Gems, etc.) it's a really impressive performance. I'd really like to see Will Smith find his Uncut Gems.

[@AndresDiaz-qs8gk]

Wouldn’t that be pursuit of happiness ?

[@adamjohnson2914]

@@AndresDiaz-qs8gk pursuit of happyness is too melodramatic for it to be his "uncut gems"

[@VonJay]

My favorite will smith movie of all time is enemy of the state.

[@russell2910]

I think his wife cut his junk off

[@toostonedjay4202]

He has to play a seemingly nice serial killer

[@gustavohernandeza.890]

Current issues from the post-slap era aside, there is a detail I always found interesting about Will Smith's career: the four year gap between 2008 and 2012 in which he didn't have an acting role (he produced The Karate Kid remake for his son Jaden in 2010). IMHO, there was a shift in the kind of projects he chose to make

[@casualcausalityy]

I think that was the height of his interest in Scientology. After Earth was a Scientology parable and its failure may have ended that interest. The elementary school Will & Jada set up for their kids used Scientology curriculum and methodology, they were close to publicly joining.

[@Ryan07_20]

He took that break due to burnout of 1 movie a year for 14 years straight (bad boys-seven pounds). Also to be closer to his family I think what would have been smart is if he pulled a Tom cruise: after an acting hiatus, team up with a real good director (Joseph Kosinski, Christopher mcquarrie) and produce your own projects while not having all the control. Which is why Tom is so huge right now. Will Smith wanted too much control over his projects and didn’t get stronger directors (he tried with David Ayer. And he did work with Ang Lee and Guy Ritchie but to less than stellar results. It was a younger indie filmmaker that got him that Oscar)

[@Not_Always]

@@Ryan07_20 we see how well worked. Arguably him spending more time with his family it was led to its destruction. They seemed to function better without him.

[@bespectacledheroine7292]

I kept waiting for the video to mention it but he was one of several executive producers on Cobra Kai which in my opinion is easily one of the best shows of the last 10 years so maybe he's just veering away from acting and is making a good step toward behind the scenes work. If this show is any indication, he'll continue to be successful as far as that, no doubt.

[@KasumiKenshirou]

@@bespectacledheroine7292 Did Smith actually have any creative input into Cobra Kai? I just assumed it was one those deals where, since he made that reboot, he was legally required to be credited because of a contract.

[@davidchristie6003]

That line about trying to be the biggest star is really revealing. I dont get the impression he has done many roles with artistry in mind. Even his bad films are just bland rather than weird failures. Id love to see him play an odd charismatic villian. Make an absolute meal of taunting James Bond like Bardem did or something along those lines. I think he has the talent. Instead he seems to have had the prototype version of The Rocks career.

[@DimeMagnet]

Exactly, you hit the nail on the head. The problem with being a box office juggernaut is that you box yourself in to a specific role/character. Like being typecast. It’s the same problem The Rock has, and for some reason it’s very difficult for them to break away from that. I’m also wondering if not being a “classically trained” actor has something to do with it 🤔.

[@davidchristie6003]

​@@DimeMagnetThanks. My guess is that being classically trained proably instills more of an artistic mindset going into a film career. Honestly I doubt they want to break from it when it is such a reliable source of money. The only reason Will Smith might need to change is his safe choices have flopped and he lost his bankable image. People with less talent like the Rock are still finding sucsess with the same old thing. We are always going to want easy "popcorn movie" stars, just a shame that Will Smith hasnt aspired to more artistic stuff to match his talent. Maybe not wanting to put himself out and not succeed, art is riskier

[@DimeMagnet]

@@davidchristie6003 you’re right. But I’m also noticing a shift in the mindset of audiences. It appears they are getting tired of the same old “summer blockbuster popcorn flicks” that brought Will Smith and The Rock such success. You could even argue that they are getting tired of actors like Will Smith and The Rock themselves, even before all the personal drama of the former. I think they are both at an interesting crossroads of their careers, like you said before, breaking from their usual roles would help. A new challenge from either a top tier or an indie director is something they should seriously consider if they want to be more than what they currently are. Will Smith has a better chance in that regard, The Rock I’m not so sure.

[@davidchristie6003]

​@@DimeMagnetI agree that there seems to be a shift. I think maybe the directors as well as actors are sick of making rushed uninspired films. Marvel fatigue is probably a contributing factor too. Playing it safe is only safe while the field remains the same. I do wonder if an any big auteur director would touch Smith, and while I agree it would help his career massively, a smaller indie film probably wouldnt have the pay or prestiege to attract him. Tbh I think Smith could have done a great job as Kang, even that wouldve shown a slight shift in his roles. The Rock isnt the same banakble leading man he was 3ish years ago either, but I think hes destined to drift futher down the tier list of stars like Van Dame and Dolph Lungren, middle of the year tax write off filler action films. Artistry in films seems to be making a real comback over cgi blockbuster action, maybe Smith will follow suit.

[@ct92404]

​@@DimeMagnetThe fact that "Oppenheimer" was a major success shows that people definitely want something different and are tired of the same old mindless action movies and endless remakes.

[@FrameDevice]

It's really amazing how quickly he flipped his entire life upside down. One single slap, and he lost everything. He's like the main character of a Darren Arronofsky film.

[@manchezv.2503]

In that moment he went back on every moral he taught, the person he portrayed to audiences for years. He showed the entire opposite, the worst part is that it was for Jada. A person not worth shit to begin with.

[@matthewsengendo6302]

I say this is he's Kanye Vma incident he will return to Good Graces but he will be a different person from the one we know

[@joonyaboonya]

​@manchezv.2503 First of all, keep Jada's name out of your mouth. You don't know her and I doubt you care to know her outside of the misleading headlines and false gossip you've heard. Secondly, Will didn't go back on any moral, he had a very HUMAN moment that wasn't just about Jada, but none of us will know the full story other than his triggered childhood trauma that he spoke about in his book in 2021. Will is on a new more human path that's less about being a massive movie superstar and more about being a beautifully flawed human.

[@rorylynch7775]

That's such an Apt description lol

[@vperkv6554]

​@@joonyaboonyaFirst of All, YOU KEEP JADA AND WILLS NAMES OUT CHA FCKING MOUF, you dont know willy and pinkzie on a personal level and never will. You tryin ta act Pinkzie is airing her dirte laundry every chance she gets to anyone tht will listen. So wht she that she needs to Propecia extra strength and she like tht young 20 dinkie. It certainly aint non of yo biz Ness. It be different if she was telling everyone..................... ..... ..... .... ... .. 🤔

[@Ariel51_artist]

Glad someone mentioned FOCUS. It’s easily his best role. All the charisma of Will smith but in the body of a con-man. Plus the chemistry is unreal. I definitely would’ve loved to see Will in a franchise of that series

[@jo4550]

Rumor is he and Margot Robbie dated after meeting on this film

[@BugVlogs]

Outside of his marriage, the biggest mistake Will Smith made was trying to be a more serious actor. His biggest strength is being lighthearted and charismatic, yet he kept picking roles where he wasn’t allowed to play on those strengths, the worst example being After Earth.

[@INFJ_Will]

Exactly! He should've followed the blueprint of Tom Cruise. Splashy big budget pictures that give him the room to riff and showcase his personality. Will can't compete in the dramatic actor space and that's okay. His charm and charisma are his best attributes and would've continued to take him far.

[@marcus3445]

I strongely disagree, his role in "A Pursuit of Happiness" was fantastic, considered one of his best. Will is a rare type of actor that can do both serious and lighthearted roles without becomes weird. Will big problem is that he doesn't know how to choose good scripts, and just like The Rock, he wants to be "'the hero" of the story, which keeps him away from many possible good roles. Him rejecting Tarantino's main role in Django is a famous exemple about how bad his opportunity judgment is.

[@The_MEMEphis]

​@@marcus3445to add on to this his movie seven pounds is also a really good serious role that he nailed

[@willcooper8028]

I don’t think so, like sure after earth sucked and it was a bad role for him, but he’s had other serious roles that totally worked

[@jonahblock]

You have to think of why will smith acts. If I was to make a guess I’d put him ina clad of people that never felt securly bonded as children and need extra attention to feel bonded as a result(like me ) Will took his funny stuff as far as he felt as he could go but wanted more respect to feel validated. It happens to a lot of people… constantly seeking status and power

[@TheHumanPurpleTape]

I, too, think this is a prime time for Will to reinvent himself. I remember when a series of stupid, very dangerous decisions caused people to write off Robert Downey Jr. as "the musician's son that won an Oscar one time". Then Shane Black put him in *Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang* and reignited his career. A few Iron Man films later, he was the most bankable actor in Hollywood... and one of the most beloved. I think Will Smith is at that same crossroad; he's one bold filmmaking choice away from reminding everyone that he was, at one point, the biggest movie star on the planet. Deservedly.

[@deciduousrex1219]

RDJ has talent.

[@marocat4749]

its not the same, but brad pitt too. He really went on a roll on character roles about toxic selfaware characters examining that after once upon a time in hollywood again.

[@burrybondz225]

​@@deciduousrex1219pursuit of happiness, king richard,Ali . He definitely has talent. This comment section is raving about focus but I never watched it so I can't say if he did well there but will smith is very talented. Even beyond acting.

[@LetsSingTheDoomSong]

My favorite of his will always be "The Pursuit of Happyness." Insanely heartfelt and his son was ironically a much better actor at 5 than he was when he got older 😂

[@misterwhyte]

That's probably because at 5 he didn't have an ego yet. He was probably just enjoying playing with his dad.

[@LetsSingTheDoomSong]

@@misterwhyte I suspect you are 100% correct with that!

[@feliciaf8]

Same it's such a good movie

[@Saironi]

That movie made me cry. I saw it when I was maybe 11 or 13 and I couldn't bear the sight of Jaden having to sleep in a public bathroom. A legit emotional critique of capitalism.

[@KonEl-BlackZero]

@@Saironi and the message is to be rich is a happy ending

[@joser1853]

The most insane thing about Smith, he was always so focused on keeping a clean imagine, to the point he turned downed Django... But then the slap.

[@phatalphd5402]

although Will is down bad right now, I can def see him making a comeback...but he needs to ditch the personal drama, and get back to making awesome movies, and the fans will show up. I feel like this could be a godsend for Will as it gives him a great opportunity to push himself even further as an artist. Let's Go WILL!

[@chengchiu957]

only idiots support a personality like him.

[@cloudsombrero]

especially since jadas a villain

[@equivalentexchangeisalie5726]

Idk, Smith is gonna be 60 soon. And he's had a 30 year career. I honestly think this is the end of it more or less.

[@Not_Always]

@@equivalentexchangeisalie5726 he's only 55, he won't be 60 too too soon.

[@milk_bath]

@@cloudsombrero For what? Will could have left anytime.

[@phoenixsidepeen5468]

I also read Smith’s memoir. I was more so shocked how relatable and human it was. As a fellow survivor of child abuse, I appreciated his candor. Despite the drama of his personal life, I still admire him as an artist.

[@TheRealMcCoyAndChipsAhoy]

he was abused as a child?! now make complete sense why he is with Jada

[@phoenixsidepeen5468]

@@TheRealMcCoyAndChipsAhoy Yes. His father was a violent alcoholic. He details his coping mechanisms from his childhood and they seem to play a role in who he is today.

[@eyecontrol4900]

@@TheRealMcCoyAndChipsAhoy why would he stay married to a woman who has almost destroyed his career and humiliated him in the public? Makes no sense

[@alicehammond7622]

@@eyecontrol4900because it’s all he knows. Lots of child abuse victims end up getting into relationships with abusers as adults, it’s a vicious cycle.

[@Impostorzim]

I'm happy you made the choice not to bash on him too hard. He is an amazing actor. His run in the 2000's with I Robot, I Am Legend and Pursuit of Happyness was amazing for me. It was like he could do no wrong.

[@NBATESdgm]

This man could make a comeback playing villain in a well written drama. His darkness needs to be put to use. Also, I think movie stars are not needed in the world of social media idiocracy. The Rock (although, not a good actor) suffers from something similar it seems, having an insufferable profit driven "artistic" career that's quickly fading.

[@Joecbg100]

I remember that Patrick OC guy said something very similar (in an excellent video mind you) where the branding/promotion of Rock is important then the film's quality and hence why he takes on almost exclusively blockbuster like pictures for over ten years now. He needs to change too and he's not doing that any time soon.

[@buttscarlton1490]

Will Smith as a villain is something I would pay to see in theaters

[@DimeMagnet]

@@buttscarlton1490a real villain too, not a pseudo villain like in Suicide Squad.

[@MisterFoxx]

As a huge fan, I’ve been craving a true villainous role for a long time. Honestly if he took the Tom Cruise Collateral route… I feel like we’d all love to see that.

[@stephenbanks5860]

Possibly a low budget film.

[@AH-bf4md]

Will‘s choices baffle me for years at this point. he’s one, if not the most charismatic movie stars in Hollywood plus he put out a lot of fun and catchy music I miss the Will of the 90s to 2007/8

[@kashtides]

I wish Will could see this video. Like you said, now that his image is shattered, there is no reason for him to be making safe career choices. The next chapter of his career could be phenomenal if he switches it up 🙏🏽

[@MisterFoxx]

The thing is he might be going back to nostalgia to win people back but I really do hope he continues to make more creative and challenging choices.

[@davidbeppler3032]

After slapping Chris, his roles should be bad guys. Unlikable/hated bad guys. Play into it.

[@hunterkincaid4972]

I’m a little older than you, but I grew up with fresh Prince, wild Wild West, MIB, and the original bad boyz films. Smith will always be one of my favorites. I hope whatever is eating at him ebbs and he gets back to making interesting, fun things again. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can watch him in anything he’s starred in the last decade + and it seems like he’s only partially there.

[@dlg5485]

WS has always taken himself too damn seriously. He is a decent actor but you wouldn't know it based on his terrible film choices. He NEVER challenges himself, ever, and it's just gotten old. I'm over it...and over him. Your take is spot on!

[@MisterFoxx]

I feel like saying he takes himself too seriously is like the complete opposite of who he is lmao. But I kinda get what you mean, he takes himself too seriously that he misses out on roles where he should let loose. And that he doesn’t let his artistry of acting flow through him as much as he should. Which is why we don’t get many roles that challenge him. True. But to be fair, his movies like Ali and latest movies like King Richard and even his last movie Emancipation have challenged him. I know the latter was difficult for him. I think if it wasn’t for the slap, he was going towards a more challenging and creative acting lane, but now I’m afraid he’s gonna go back to nostalgia to win the people back. And I hope he continues to move forward creatively. I’d like to see him play a character that’s a full blown asshole (who doesn’t have to save the world) or someone evil (who doesn’t also have to save the world)

[@dlg5485]

@@MisterFoxx I'm not talking about his personal life because no one knows what that even is. Celebs only show a phony curated version of themselves to the public. It's not real. I'm simply referring to his professional choices. The characters he chooses to take on are typically empty popcorn bullsh*t, devoid of any real emotional depth or presence. He refuses to get out of his comfort zone and it shows in his weak performances.

[@MisterFoxx]

@@dlg5485 Except even in his blockbusters he chooses characters with depth and that’s a choice he has said out loud. Most of his blockbusters have small character dramas within them. Which is why his performances in those movies are typically better or a little more dynamic than other actors in their blockbusters. But when it comes to his dramatic roles he always delivers. And obviously when you’re making blockbuster movies a lot of them don’t have some insane amount of emotional depth in the first place. His goal was always to be a blockbuster superstar, not to be Denzel Washington lol. But at this age I think he will start (and has started) taking more challenging and interesting roles. He just needs to keep it up and completely branch outside his wheelhouse.

[@HighLordBlazeReborn]

@@dlg5485 Very much agree. It's like he's still stuck in his early career, scared to stray too far

[@marcosmenezes3742]

I have loved Will growing up watching re runs of the fresh prince on cable TV. It's sad how his carrer didn't evolve the way it should have been. Much love from Brazil , Capitan

[@ninjanibba4259]

Dude is almost 60, been in the spotlight since the 90s….dudes had a career Did you not watch the video? Or do a simple google search? He’ll be fine

[@WoolyNips]

I wish his slap would have been a weapon in that zombie game

[@mackenziemcinnis1879]

Honestly I'd love to see you cover why you think Bright failed. I have always seen Bright as a failure of execution rather than concept. I think the idea of another big budget urban fantasy that leans heavy on both those words has an audience. After all while Bright did fail to entertain it clearly didn't fail to peak people's interest as do many watched it even if they did dislike it.

[@clearspira]

I think the problem was that it has been done better. I didn't work as a buddy cop, it didn't work as fantasy, and it really wasn't Will's best performance.

[@arobarbie]

lindsay ellis made a video about it if you’re interested!

[@Alex-hm7nt]

The whole point of Brights story didn't make sense. It was sort of like Raiders of The Lost Ark: if a bad person opens the Ark (not just the Nazis), it ends badly. Bright clearly states that only one type of person can hold the wand...yet all of these other people (who know this rule) continuously try to get it?? I thought Bright had huge potential with its world and could've been done a lot better than what we got

[@mackenziemcinnis1879]

@clearspira Absolutely, I also feel like the story threw in a lot of fantasy elements like Orcs, magic wands, and dark lords without any idea what makes those concepts work so well in fantasy. This weakend the concept right out the gate and left it feeling like I was watching someone's first attempt at DMing a D&D Homebrew rather than a big budget film. Still though the fact that so many people saw Will Smith in a Police Uniform standing next to an Orc and thought, "Okay, what's all this?" And gave it their time tells me there is an audiance starved for content out there.

[@mackenziemcinnis1879]

@Alex-hm7nt Yeah I feel like the writers kinda just reached into a bag full of fantasy things and made a madlib out of it by throwing in Orcs, dark lords, and magic wands without any real understanding of why these tropes work in fantasy. The result was something more akin to a bad D&D one shot than a major motion picture. Still, the fact that so many people saw Will Smith dressed like a cop standing next to an Orc and said, "Yeah, okay, you've got my attention" tells me there is a large audience with an interest in Urban Fantasy that is starved for content. Heck, even the new D&D movie proves this, in my opinion. I like D&D, and I thought the movie was fine, pretty funny but not hilarious, and a decent plot, but nothing world shaking, likable characters, but nothing to write home about. That movie grossed $208.2 million after making up its $150 million budget. That's not Marvel, especially at its peak, but it's nothing to turn your noss up at either. There is a market.

[@sterling7]

Will Smith is a tremendously charismatic and engaging actor. The problem, perhaps, is that "the slap" invited everyone to wonder how much of that acting talent is engaged in maintaining a facade of good-humored, easy-going equilibrium. His audience likes him, so they want to see him do well; the fact that he's worked very hard to rise to stardom and that he's a human being with human frailties and foibles has been masked by his facade and his success. Now both the success and the facade have taken a hit.

[@ggu7r76g]

I appreciated the fact that you focused on his career choices and his book rather than all of the drama with Jada. I'm so sick of everyone blaming her for the state of his career. I love both of them and want the best for both of them.

[@staringatthesun861]

I really like Will Smith. My feelings when he gave his Best Actor speech are among the most complex that feelings can be. Joy, pity, melancholy, humiliation, sympathy.....all rolled into one.

[@chrisblanc663]

Like that scene in the fresh prince of bell air when his dad ditched him. Great scene from both Smith and Avery.

[@staringatthesun861]

@@chrisblanc663 I think that's the most lasting episode of the entire show. Smith's acting at the end is spine-tingling.

[@staringatthesun861]

@@chrisblanc663 Avery too, though to me he more regularly gave those performances, because his character was more serious.

[@Nelson_Swamp]

For proof of the Fresh Prince's lyrical prowess, listen to "Jeff Wuz on the Beat Box," particularly verse 3. An incredible display of wordplay, breath control, clarity, and style. And I believe Will was only 20 or so at the time. And I also just remembered "Brand New Funk," which was from the same album. Smith is definitely a talented rapper.

[@theparkinglotcities]

Great video! I found myself strangely more sympathetic to Smith after the slap. I grew up with Fresh Prince and loved MIB/Independence Day, but most of what he's done since then has been too obviously Oscar bait. The fact he lost his shit on the night he actually won makes him seem more human than he's seemed in years. It would be great to see him enter a "fuck it, I'll do your weird little movie or show" phase of his career. His career also is a great example of how impossible it is to plan for a hit. You can make some educated guesses on what might be successful, but actually making something actually good/novel/classic is a bit of a crapshoot. The people who find it are usually the ones who say fuck it and take some chances, not the ones who try to calculate what Oscar voters will love.

[@11FBA11]

This

[@sianais]

Agreed. He should take more risks, especially now that he doesn't have much of an image to maintain.

[@enochlo9156]

wait isn't that the Nick Cage phase

[@dashfriday974]

He’s never shown the chops to play a villain. For this reason, I’ve always thought he was overrated. He just does anything to be liked.

[@CalvinHikes]

You liked him more after he publicly revealed his character to be supremely low?

[@WSendam]

Your audio still sounds good Captain ❤ love your channel

[@cameron2069]

Will Smith has obviously had a (pretty admirable) wide range of media appearances from dramatic acting to KZbin Rewind. But there does seem like something’s amiss when he’s doing mobile game ads a little over a year after winning an Academy Award. He had the reverse Brendan Fraser, basically.

[@MAPerez970]

Great video! First time watching your channel and love that u put your sponsor at the end of the video. Too many videos nowadays hit u with a 2+ min sponsor ad as soon as the vid starts.

[@wstine79]

It feels like we are stuck in the group chat thar Will Smith and Jada Pickett started.

[@noodlemaiden7619]

Pursuit of Happiness is a great film that I don't want to rewatch. The tension and desperation I felt watching was unbearable. The relief I felt at the end almost didn't even feel good because I was just grateful the pain had ended. Amazing film, Will Smith has got it. He just needs that one perfect role to get him back on track I think

[@joshfactor1]

but you got to admit fresh prince still holds up to this day

[@sonoftheredfox]

I saw Focus on a cross country flight. I remember really liked it - and for me it was also Margot Robbie's best movie. That "sense of insecurity" you spoke of is exactly what I think Jada has taken advantage of and manipulated these past years. I like Will. I don't like the place that he is at personally though. I think the best thing he could do for himself is figure out a way to recreate his identity away from his toxic wife and quasi non-existent marriage.

[@jackkraken3888]

He might need permission from Jada though. 😂

[@MisterFoxx]

He spoke of his insecurity in his book

[@kendrickawesomeness]

He can kill it when he does a great movie like King Richard. Absolutely deserved that Oscar

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Only got foreshadowed by that infamous slap. And got banned by Academy for a decade. The worst part is, after the slap, no one dares to escort him to get out just because he's a celebrity.

[@Story2ScreenMovieReviewPodcast]

I truly believe Jada has massive career ending dirt on Will, ala why he doesnt divorce her. Also, i believe Jada has manipulated Wills mind to where he has to defend his family and wife, no matter whos right or wrong, no matter the cost or consequences.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Yep exactly

[@planescaped]

I think it's a lot simpler than that and he is just an egomaniac...

[@K.C-2049]

@@planescaped these people will happily write conspiracy theories about manipulative wives trying to ruin flawless men's careers lol

[@AL-lh2ht]

It could also be both.

[@Not_Always]

There have always been rumors he was gay. Maybe that was it. Idk.

[@Grimm299]

This was a really positive video, that's why i like your channel. It can be critical but fair

[@bensneb360]

The biggest surprise is that Will Smith has a KZbin channel

[@MisterFoxx]

I definitely hope to see take on more challenging and creative roles. I heard there was talks of Will joining a Jordan Peele movie and I love that idea, even if false. But I’d love for him to work with those directors that truly help mold characters into beautiful portraits. My dream is seeing him star in a Nolan or Jordan Peele film.

[@livinginvancouverbc2247]

My favourite Will Smith movie is Six Degrees of Separation. He was effortlessly smooth, charming and vulnerable.It's a high class arthouse movie, Very well made. This movie, and Terry Gilliam's Brazil, are the only two movie in my life that I rewatched immediately after first viewing.

[@ShinbrigTV]

The hip-hop community always found Will Smith "corny" (way before they did with Logic). But on a technical level Will Smith had a solid 80's flow...the problem was translating that into the 90's and 2000's. And credit to where credit is due; Will Smith was the first hip-hop artist to win a Grammy AND introduce a lot of people into the hip-hop culture.

[@chucaruba109]

Love that aesthetic for the 1940s radio you have with your channel 🎉

[@kwasabere]

Time. That's all he needs. I feel like he's in an extreme funk that many people go through, except he's a public figure. He will bounce back and I hope he does. What's been going gon with him personally has been affecting his career too much and hopefully he can put it behind him soon

[@clearspira]

Sorry but I disagree. His ''ultra cool guy'' persona that so many knew him for was shattered by both the slap and being a cuck. He'll never reach the same heights again.

[@Spidido]

It is about perception. The perception pre-entanglement/red table/oscar slap is not the same now. Pre- Will Smith was in a way, aspirational. Now, i don't even know what to call him

[@joanned8172]

He needs to ditch Jada and show he can stand up for himself, his slap I have no doubt was mostly out of anger at his situation with his wife more than being upset at the joke. Look how weird their kids turned out its bizarre, I doubt he ever becomes a blockbuster actor again, best he can hope for is supporting roles and be a B lister.

[@kwasabere]

@@joanned8172 How I look at it, if Robert Downey Jr can make a complete comeback from the mess he was, why can't Will?

[@joanned8172]

@@kwasabere Downey Jr was mainly bad boy and drug abuse though and was pretty young. Will Smith is older assaulted a guy with a open hand slap for a joke as entire world looked on after everyone had found out he seemed cool with his wife screwing multiple men as she thought of Will as the back up plan to the "love of her life" Tupac. He was emasculated before the entire entertainment industry while Robert Downey Jr was liked by most and thought of as cool at the time. Will Smith will make a comeback as he is too good an actor not to, but he will never be an A-lister again.

[@tiktokcompilations797]

Will Smith went from being one of the biggest names of HollyWood to being it’s biggest punching bag, all because of his crazy not wife

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

You mean his "husband" jada?

[@DrMario_666]

Yeah his actions aren’t his responsibility, it’s all his wife’s fault for everything he’s done. Sexist loser

[@RuiLuz]

He needs to grow a spine, it came down to this because he lacks personality.

[@theall-rounder5845]

I've been waiting for this video

[@paft]

His personal life which has become incredibly public has actually ruined my view on him. I actually cant even stand to see his face now. And this is from someone who really enjoyed some of his work.

[@3vivk]

I feel like Jada is torching his career because he's always said "Divorce is not an option". She's probably trying to break free after years of denial

[@MariaVosa]

So it's not Jada torching his career, it's him doing it to himself.

[@pettybee3860]

​@@MariaVosayou're right. He doesn't want to let her go. He's doing this to himself

[@Lakeside_Flower]

But you don’t need mutual acceptance to get a divorce, no? She could divorce/leave him at any time.

[@3vivk]

@@Lakeside_Flower true, I'm guessing there was no prenup though and maybe she's doing this to get him to pay up??? Idk shooting in the dark here

[@seancollins7447]

After Earth made me believe M. Night Shyamalan's career was beyond repair when it was really Will Smith's fault, and Shyamalan was a scapegoat.

[@treytison1444]

My favorites are probably Men in Black and Pursuit of Happyness, least favorite is probably one of the ones I couldn't even make it through like After Earth or something. By the way Wild Wild West is underrated.

[@Joecbg100]

One thing is crystal clear, Jada is a fucking villain. She was cast well in Gotham. I do remember seeing King Richard and though the same, this is the safest bet, and a really scary alternate version of Will where he was exposed as grooming his children to be as big as he was, or surpass him in some way. And it worked and then it all went down screaming in a fire. All that work, all that care, for a decent film gone......

[@anubusx]

I loved that show.

[@Joecbg100]

same, got so much better once they found out that overacting villians are the key like Jerome, Riddler or Zsasz. @@anubusx

[@douglasmaddox3308]

Will Smith has shown the world tremendous talent for over 40 years! Talent like that doesn't die or go away. He'll be back in full form one day soon

[@Dm34421]

Besides Jada, Will made awful career choices like turning down Matrix for wild Wild West. His film career died in the late 2000s when he started taking roles like Hitchcock

[@dwc1964]

I really loved _Wild Wild West_ as a concept - a fun, weird action-adventure sci-fi/western show from my youth reimagined as a Reconstruction Western (a too-rare genre) - I was its exact target audience. Too bad it sucked ass.

[@dwc1964]

_Hancock_ * likewise was a great idea for half of the movie - what if superpowered person with good intentions but also fuckup? I was completely lost by the second half - but then, I can say the same for a lot of my favorite media. And it was hardly a death knell for his career: Hancock was Will Smith's fifth film to open on a 4 July weekend and was his most successful opening to date. The film was also Smith's eighth film in a row to take top placement in the American and Canadian box office and the twelfth film in Smith's career to lead the box office.[45][46] Hancock was also Peter Berg's strongest opening of his directing career to date.[47] Chad Hartigan, analyst for Exhibitor Relations, said about Smith's successful opening: "Audiences don't care what critics say; they're going to turn out for anything he does."[48] * now, if there was actually a film called _Hitchcock_ that he did, it's not coming up in any searches, so pardon me if I missed something.

[@seand7042]

Do you mean Hancock or Hitch?

[@xxRAINA1xx]

I love Wild Wild West I literally had a steampunk phase because of that movie.

[@Blast2224]

Hitch was a so-so comedy. I was 12 when it came out. It wasn’t even top 3. Everyone was just like “yeah it was funny at times”. Hancock was drowned in the emerging MCU and just didn’t stick with teenagers or young adults. I was 15 and passed on it in favor of Iron Man and Hulk.

[@colealbinder2025]

I agree with wanting to see him in different kinds of roles going forward, maybe playing an understated role as part of (and not the lead in) and ensemble cast film like Knives Out 3 for instance.

[@jspaingreene6350]

Nice analysis. I've never been much of a fan - even less so now - but it's interesting to try to understand the career arc.

[@JamesLawner]

Honestly, I feel like you can draw comparisons between Will Smith and Dwayne Johnson’s careers, both have been mega movie stars with hit movies and franchises, and usually making safe bets along the way, until eventually their hubris causes their career to take a nosedive and end up on a road to recovery and humility of sorts. It could be interesting to see these two in an indie drama of some kind. Lastly, I’d like to see a video about Mark Wahlberg’s career, because his career started in a similar place like Will Smith’s (both were rappers turned actors), and it doesn’t seem like it ended up in a weird state like Will Smith’s (at least based on what I’ve seen/known).

[@-CallMeMarvin-]

Will Smith will always have a Place in my Heart. I-Robot is the reason I (still to this day) almost exclusively wear Converse in my Private Life - Marketing done right.

[@jackkraken3888]

That scene where the robots attack him in the tunnel will always be amazing!

[@MisterFoxx]

Vintage right? Lmao

[@Mamedliemin]

Liked the video for that ending ad transition alone.

[@andreasau391]

In a Interview in italian, the director Gabriele Muccino (Seven Pounds, the pursuit of happiness) said that will Smith and his team we're almost obsessed by the oscar win. That is in my opinion a big part of his more nuanced movie pick leading up to king Richard. As you highlighted in the biography part. He wanted to be recognized, he had a Grammy for the music he wanted the oscar.

[@ForeverRed3000]

Before the slap, when he was doing press for his Oscar Campaign, he had a shoot with GQ. That shoot really showed him in a different - albeit more - artistic/vulnerable and raw light that I hadn’t seen Will in. And I’ve looked up to him since I was a kid, so seeing that was pretty inspiring to see. I honestly would love if he taps into work that reflects that side of him. Something like working with someone like Barry Jenkins or even like you said PTA. Hell even Denzel is on this wave, while simultaneously doing Equalizer he’s been working with some incredible directors, and has stated his desire to work with more in this stage of his career. I really hope that Will, and his family, just step away from the limelight and that he can focus more on the work itself. That’ll speak more volumes than anything else. And it also shows because any other celebrity would be extremely disgraced. But Will has ENORMOUS amounts of support, despite whats been thrown at him these past few years. And I’m pretty sure he can.

[@reginaldhollis3562]

Definitely agree with taking more supporting roles and think that's a great opportunity to rebound. While its another biopic, I'm really hoping the Nicky Barnes crime thriller they announced a few years back with him comes to fruition. That sounded really interesting and different/darker for him and in the vein of American Gangster/Black Mass.

[@d7b50]

“How come he don’t want me man?” Is all I needed to see to know Will could act, just makes weird movie choices

[@bbybap4729]

I think this was a very good take on Will, and I agree with you. It’s time he tries new projects. Like you say, he has nothing to lose anymore. It’s kind of like getting fired from the job you worked in all your life. It’s not necessarily over. You can get a better job & it be a blessing in disguise. In his case he hasn’t gotten fired, but he could rebrand by trying something different. I too would love to see it.❤

[@rosecity_chris]

You make such a great point. In his pursuit of oscars, hes missing out on that perfect combination of comdey action movies hes so good at.

[@judatme8049]

I been watching this guy since I was in 8th . I just graduated 5 months ago so I really grew up watching him my whole high school career.

[@undefined7141]

Just heard about Focus, for the first time from your channel. I’ll give it a watch.

[@stepheng1523]

Will smith improves everything hes in. He was literally the only thing that made suicide squad at all watchable

[@admiralweb27]

I was about to sarcastically say the Oscar's, but honestly... that was probably the most publicity the Oscar's got in a while lol

[@Not_Always]

Eh, not really. That movie was stupid and had no plot.

[@RayMcElroy50]

No, it was Margot Robbie

[@MisterFoxx]

⁠@@Not_Alwaysyou said the movie was stupid and no plot, but the point was really that Will Smith was a bright spot in the movie, which is true.

[@MisterFoxx]

@@RayMcElroy50both of them tbh

[@ShawnTheStampede]

I feel like it’s very important to not gloss over Will Smith as a rapper. As much as many of the harder ads to ask and hip-hop would like to deny him that, Will Smith is cemented in hip-hop, history for a number of things not only bringing rap to the main stream with fresh prince of Belair, but he was part of the first hip-hop group to win a Grammy. And if nothing else, how many artist can comfortably say that they have any song that persist annually for 30+ years the way he has with something like Summertime. and it’s also important to remember that his career is quite literally the blueprint for any rapper that chooses to go into film. For instance, look at Queen Latifah and LL Cool J.

[@shadyguy23]

Who's your favorite actor who got famous from an acclaimed TV show and became a movie star despite mostly seeming to have terrible taste in which roles he picks, and also happens to be black? Mine is Idris Elba.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Idris is a perfect example.

[@bonald8349]

I was also a weird homeschool kid in '95! Loved "Fresh Prince"--still do.

[@JAM92]

I still can't fully get over that slap! It's funny how a single moment made by a single terrible decision can create such a ripple felt by so many.

[@davidporter9553]

I think we would be over the slap if Jada wasn't talking about Tupac and other stuff

[@ZeroProko]

I dont think a person should be judged at their worst moment. Hes been in the public spotlight since the mid 80's and then kept a squeeky clean and wholesome public image since. Hes still just a person, clearly dealing with some serious personal issues, and that kind of weight can make anyone crumble and make mistakes

[@JAM92]

@@ZeroProko but one mistake doesn't always equal another. Will's mistake took a certain level of thought to do, but he didn't apply enough thought to properly consider the consequences of his actions. It may have been just a slap but it shows what Will could do if the right button is pushed, it was a harmless little joke referencing an obscure 90's bomb that nobody saw. Will's mistake wasn't the slap because he did that purposely, his mistake happened in his mind as he sat there and contemplated how he was going to respond to a joke in a room full of people.

[@ZeroProko]

@@JAM92 Strong emotion can overpower ones ability to fully think out or process things. I doubt he was thinking it was a great idea to bitch slap a man on TV when he was walking up to him. Thats the thing about people, you can make them do just about anything given the right provocation, this could have been anyone. Im not going to villify a person for a one time mistake that just happen to be publicly broadcast

[@JAM92]

@@ZeroProko It's not necessarily about the strength of the emotion, because we all feel strong emotions in our lives at some point in time. It's even not necessarily about his thought process or lack there of, but what it took to set off the whole incident to begin with. Will's response was far beyond what the vast majority of civilised people would ever even comprehend doing, especially in a room full of people and while it's also being televised. Chris Rock even said it as Will was sitting back down when he said "dude it was G.I Jane joke!" As if to say "why did this insignificant little joke set you off so badly?". I'm not going to treat Will like he's suddenly a bad person or whatever, but his behaviour in regards to how he handled the situation has forever changed my perception of him and not for the better.

[@eastsidereviews727]

I'm bout tired of hearing from the Smith-Pinkett household.

[@captainmidnight]

Me too

[@KasumiKenshirou]

When you were discussing Focus and mentioning it had a bad tile, by that point I had already forgotten what the title was and had to rewind the video! That's a pretty forgettable title!

[@JustStop19]

I would LOVE your review of Bright.

[@casandrabarnes-oq9fy]

It doesn't matter how good his acting skills are. You have to stand up for the right thing. Will Smith has done something that was unforgivable. Many of his fans won't support his work. I am one of them.

[@rourose]

What did he do

[@JedidiahRose1]

Thing about Will for me is this guy was a huge part of my childhood growing up, whether it was watching endless reruns of Fresh Prince or when he started going huge in film with Independence Day, MIB, Bad Boys and even things like Wild Wild West which for most adults went down like a lead balloon sure, but for me at that age I just loved. I remember watching Wild Wild West a lot more than The Matrix even, and speaking more praise to Smith's film no less, I was young sure but it came from a place of fandom and love for Smith. I think I'm always going to root for him to succeed, I think a lot of my generation feels the same way and it's been sad to see the weird decisions he's been making the last decade sure, but there's always in me an optimism he's going to come back strong and I hope that comes to fruition soon, I think a great way to do that would be as you suggest to refocus and find himself more in strong acting roles in smaller pieces or more auteur filmmakers' projects.

[@dudekidhairwhite]

When it comes to the biography of Will Smith they're talking to Denzel for the movie

[@FDM-xu4wt]

Surprised you didn't mention 7 Pounds. It was a strange film that had its flaws, but it's one of his best dramatic performances in my opinion.

[@helenmaghinay7304]

You selected good clips from Emancipation--they look good, and Will Smith looks very emotive on them. Now I want to watch it.

[@indigojazz]

Thank you. You expressed exactly my thoughts on him. I was an early fan and I still am. Will, if you ever see this video: get out there, pick "risky movies", we all see your potential, even if you fail sometimes. For all the personal stuff, people, please, stop, he doesn’t owe you anything, especially when it involves another person he doesn't have and should not have control on. Yes, the slap was his responsibility. That being said, see the human behind all of this, his flaws and resilience. His choices and quality acting speaks volumes on the ethics and talent he displayed all along. Edit: first time stumbling upon this channel, I’ve instantly subscribed.

[@laurenmasters]

Poor will. He need to escape that abusive woman

[@gabegabe2452]

Will Smith don't gotta cuss in his movies to sell tickets...um...maybe he does now days

[@josiahamaze]

Dude very good video essay. I think honestly he was driven to that moment and the system capitalized to bring his persona down.

[@aidenbutterfield754]

Always really liked Pursuit of happiness, would love to see him in some more stuff in that kinda direction and range I guess

[@rhaegartargaryen9315]

Will Smith is still one of my favourite actors ever since childhood. While I do yearn for better movies from him, I still very much cherish his older movies.

[@alejandrogonzalez9840]

9:04 dude I would kill to see Will Smith in a Christopher Nolan film for sure I mean he really should do more with well known and well respected film directors than just a vehicle for himself

[@colealbinder2025]

I thought there were rumors that he was considered to play Leo’s role in Inception.

[@alejandrogonzalez9840]

@@colealbinder2025 man that would’ve been really interesting then if that’s the case

[@colealbinder2025]

@@alejandrogonzalez9840 for sure.

[@alejandrogonzalez9840]

@@colealbinder2025I really hope he does more movies with these kind of directors cause then it would definitely be a nice change of pace than with all these vanity projects he’s been doing these past couple years

[@musanhlapo9598]

dig the background music man

[@Tavera12]

I completely agree with this take. This can be such a great creative opportunity for him to truly indulge in his love for the craft.

[@peterkovic2241]

Always a good day when a captain midnight video drops

[@williamhenry8914]

I stopped feeling sympathy the moment he slapped Chris Rock in the face. People deserve sympathy, but bullies deserve only contempt.

[@stephenbanks5860]

He showed his true colors that night.

[@RagingPeanutButter]

This video feels like an open letter to Will himself

[@bobbyokeefe4285]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the elephant in the room,his career was never the same after the vanity project known as "After Earth",I think that's when it started going down for him,way before the slap.

[@kozmikoblivion]

Will Smith is legendary. That’s how I choose to think of him.

[@batsaubattler3200]

I think time has passed enough for smith to have a Renaissance I think he just has to keep his personal matters more private and find a way to lean into what happened to him.over these past few years by doing like you said taking on new roles it worked for Tom.cruise when he did tropic thunder and kinda leaned into what people were criticizing him for only to then flip the narrative with his character and put his career back on top so I think Will has to find a way to do that or take on a role we've never seen him play like Adam did with uncut gems

[@davidporter9553]

It's not even him that's keeping his personal life in the news. His wife can't keep her mouth shut.

[@batsaubattler3200]

@@davidporter9553 this is also true

[@Ryan07_20]

After being out of movies for 4 years, it would’ve been an awesome comeback if Will came back in July 2012 with Men in Black 3 (his movies always did the best in Fourth of July weekend) and then in December, starred in Django unchained.

[@raphaeldelaghetto85]

“Unlike other 90s stars Will Smith didn’t set himself up with franchises like John Wick or Equalizer” Then proceeded to name drop 2 franchises that Will Smith set himself up with, both had trilogies and one is working on a 4th. & just like DiCaprio, Will Smith has also done good dramas. Ali, The pursuit of Happyness, King Richard. Aside from his personal issues, I’d say he’s more than kept pace with his 90s contemporaries.

[@Unsweetened8618]

No he didn't. Will filmography, is all over the place...

[@KevenThePuma]

I think Will can still make a comeback, but as long as he’s with Jada, it’ll never happen.

[@hughjass6086]

Why?

[@Carole67182]

Is it wrong to say that if he divorced his wife the public might embrace him again?

[@allmyedgesaresharp]

Yeah cuz it's not true