Discover how a helicopter ride and some persuasive words from Steven Spielberg convinced Will Smith to take on the iconic role in ‘Men in Black’ after his massive success with ‘Independence Day’.
The Post-Blockbuster Dilemma
After the massive triumph of the summer blockbuster ‘Independence Day’ in 1996, Will Smith found himself in an enviable position – with a plethora of enticing film offers at his fingertips. However, there was one caveat: he wanted to steer clear of alien-themed movies. Despite his popularity, the actor was keen on avoiding a repetitive theme in his projects. Little did he know that an unexpected encounter would change his mind about his next venture and lead him to the world of ‘Men in Black’.
Spielberg’s Charismatic Intervention
In a recent conversation on ‘Hart to Heart’ with Kevin Hart, Will Smith unveiled the intriguing story behind his involvement in ‘Men in Black’. Smith revealed that producer James Lassiter initially presented him with the opportunity to be a part of the film. However, due to his recent alien-filled blockbuster, Smith was hesitant to delve into another extraterrestrial narrative. This is where the legendary director Steven Spielberg stepped in.
According to Smith, Spielberg, whose company Amblin Entertainment was co-producing the film, made a grand entrance by arriving in a helicopter. The director’s arrival was already a scene-stealer, but what followed was equally fascinating. Spielberg offered Smith a unique concoction – “lemonade with carbonated water”. This charming gesture set the stage for a persuasive conversation that would alter Smith’s outlook on the project.
Spielberg’s Persuasion
Spielberg, known for his impeccable cinematic achievements with extraterrestrial themes, engaged in a conversation with Smith about his reluctance to join ‘Men in Black’. Smith recounted the moment, saying, “Tell me why you don’t want to make my movie…He put the ellipses at the end…if he had continued, he woulda said, ‘Joker, you know I made Jaws, right? You know I made E.T.’” This playful yet effective tactic left Smith in awe, describing it as the “coldest sh*t” he’d experienced up until that point.
From Reluctance to Record-Breaking Success
Spielberg’s persuasive charm ultimately worked its magic on Smith, as he decided to take on the role in ‘Men in Black’. The decision proved to be a game-changer, with the first film becoming the highest-grossing movie of 1997. The subsequent installments, ‘Men in Black II’ and ‘Men in Black III’, collectively amassed over $1 billion worldwide, solidifying the franchise’s popularity.
The success story continued with a spin-off, ‘Men in Black: International’, which introduced new leads played by Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. As for a highly-anticipated crossover between ‘Men in Black’ and ’21 Jump Street’, it appears to have been shelved, allowing the original legacy of ‘Men in Black’ to shine independently.
A Testament to Spielberg’s Persuasion
The tale of how Steven Spielberg’s helicopter entrance and persuasive skills swayed Will Smith’s decision is a testament to the power of legendary directors and their ability to shape the course of cinematic history. While Smith initially wanted to avoid aliens, Spielberg’s influence not only changed his mind but also solidified his place in the iconic ‘Men in Black’ series.
As fans continue to enjoy the escapades of the secret agents in black suits, Smith’s journey from hesitation to successful collaboration stands as a reminder of the unexpected twists and turns that occur in the world of Hollywood.
