SLAP? WHAT SLAP? Will Smith to make comeback with 'I am Legend 2' after Oscar backlash
Though the Academy Awards have blacklisted Will Smith for the unforgettable slapgate incident on stage, movie studios and the public are ready to welcome the 'Pursuit of Happyness' actor back on screen. An unnamed source said that Smith has already started working on 'I Am Legend 2' behind closed doors. This comes only a month after Sony head Tom Rothman revealed the studio was still considering Bad Boys 4 and hadn't ruled out Smith to star.
'Pursuit of Happyness' is being produced by Westbrook Studios, Smith's production company. This movie is based in a post-apocalyptic New York City where Smith plays the role of scientist Robert Neville who is fighting for survival and finding a cure for zombies.
READ MORE
Who is Sadhguru? Will Smith jets to India to meet 'spiritual' leader
'We need them both': Jada Smith wants Chris Rock to 'heal' with Will Smith after Oscar slap
Smith shared a sneak peek as he revealed the news of the production for the sequel of 'I Am Legend' on March 4, 2022. He shared visuals on his Instagram feed from a deserted street in the city. Since another iconic celebrity also shared the exact same image on his social media, netizens caught on. It was captioned, "We need it 🔥make it legendary"
'I Am Legend' is set in the year 2012 and is based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson. Michael B Jordan is anticipated to be a part of the cast in this production. Though no script has been signed off in full yet, the concept features Smith making a return to the movies after his slap gate incident with Chris Rock. Smith slapped Rock across the face as he made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's condition.
A source reportedly told The Sun, "The script is being written mentioning his character and as of yet, Will remains attached to the project. The concept is still to be signed off by Warner Brothers, but there has been no indication that Will is off the project. Obviously he is the producer of the film and his production company is in charge while the development continues. The reality is that Will will make a comeback at some point and it will be simply down to which studio will be the one to take a chance on him. The negative sentiments from the public about his career have certainly reduced in recent weeks as the world has moved on thanks to stories like the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. And Will himself is undergoing therapy and taking time away from the limelight. Certainly Hollywood loves comeback stories where stars seemingly done with the business bounce back with a big project such as with Robert Downey Jr, Mel Gibson, Drew Barrymore, and Winona Ryder."
They concluded by saying, "In two years' time things could look very different - and Will could return to the screen."