Will Smith Spills the Beans: How Steven Spielberg Convinced Him to Join Men in Black
Photo: empireonline
Hollywood icon Will Smith recently shared some behind-the-scenes secrets on his friend Kevin Hart’s show, Hart to Heart. During the candid conversation, Smith discussed his most significant movie roles and revealed how producer James Lassiter became the driving force behind his success, persuading him to take on ten blockbuster projects.
Surprisingly, two of those projects, “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Ali,” were initially not on Smith’s radar. However, Lassiter’s persuasive abilities led him to star in these critically acclaimed movies, earning Best Actor Oscar nominations for both.
But perhaps the most intriguing revelation was about his role in “Men in Black.” When Hart asked how he changed his mind about the film, Smith revealed that it was none other than legendary director Steven Spielberg who played a pivotal role. Spielberg went to extraordinary lengths, sending a helicopter to fetch Smith and personally inquiring why he was hesitant to be a part of the iconic movie.
Throughout his career, Will Smith realized that his passion for acting went beyond financial gains. Working on “Pursuit of Happiness” allowed him to discover that he was motivated by the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Despite ongoing projects like “Bad Boys 4” and a remake of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” the SAG-AFTRA strike posed challenges for the talented actor.
Will Smith’s journey in Hollywood is filled with fascinating twists, and his tales continue to inspire both fans and aspiring actors alike.
