With a slave drama like 12 Years A Slave that won an Academy Award for Best Picture, Will Smith wished to reconstruct his image with a similar idea. Following the infamous slap that the Aladdin actor bestowed upon Chris Rock during the 2021 Oscars, it seems that the people and Hollywood have not forgiven him.
It has been 9 months since the slap and Will Smith hoped dearly that his Hollywood comeback was possible through the movie titled Emancipation. Following the major flop of the movie, the actor seems to be deeply hurt by his actions and the cold shoulder from the audiences and Hollywood alike.
Hollywood And Audiences Haven’t Forgiven Will Smith Yet
All it takes is a single moment to tarnish the reputation for a lifetime. The unfortunate moment came when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock across the face for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. After the slap, Smith took his place and started to shout obscenities at Chris Rock all the while cameras were broadcasting the scene on live television.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the 2021Oscars
Following the slap, millions of people turned against the Man in Black actor as this was an overreaction that should not have happened. After apologizing multiple times, the King Richard actor felt that the people would’ve forgiven him by now but it wasn’t the case.
Starring in a slave drama titled Emancipation, Will Smith made a comeback to Hollywood after 9 months (following the slap). The movie’s budget of $120 million saw a meager $3000 per screen profit. As per several sources, the actor is quite displeased with the results.
“Will knows it’s a long road to redemption and a lot of folks won’t forgive him but this really rams it home. Will has approached Tom several times, trying to reconnect and see if they can hang out and brainstorm on some projects together. A solid movie with Tom would guarantee Will’s comeback, or so he thinks. Will has even offered to fly to London if that’s more convenient, but Tom isn’t biting and doesn’t even write him back.”
Will Smith Became Hollywood’s Kryptonite Post Slap
Will Smith and Ben Foster in Emancipation (2022).
The Oscar slap scene is still freshly imprinted on people’s minds as the Suicide Squad actor tried to make a comeback. Although promising a thrilling storyline, Emancipation failed to get the bare minimum. Will Smith is desperately trying to contact Tom Cruise for a collaborating project but it turned out to be a moot point.
As per sources, the Bad Boys actor was referred to as “Hollywood’s Kryptonite” as nobody is willing to help him by sacrificing their existing careers.
“Tom isn’t going to be stupid enough to put his neck on the line and be dragged down by association. Tom is still very wary of any Hollywood friendships. He likes his reclusive lifestyle in the United Kingdom. He doesn’t want to get sucked back into the Hollywood scene — especially by way of Will Smith. He’s still kryptonite.”
Emancipation alongside Will Smith featured Ben Foster and other actors in notable roles throughout the runtime of the movie. The movie currently stands at a rating of 5.9/10 on IMDB and a low 45% on Rotten Tomatoes.