Will Smith projects 'Fast and Loose' and 'Bad Boys 4' on hold as actor heads to luxury retreat for 'soul searching'
Will Smith is reportedly facing a production backlash after his Oscars stunt, with his upcoming Netflix film 'Fast and Loose' as well as 'Bad Boys 4' both being put on hold amid the controversy. Meanwhile, a source has claimed the Hollywood star is planning to visit a luxury retreat to escape the chaos and do some "soul searching."
The 'I am Legend' actor apologized for slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, and later resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with many wondering whether he will be stripped of his Best Actor award. Smith, 53, assaulted Rock, 57, on stage for poking fun at his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, which is reportedly a result of an autoimmune condition called alopecia.
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Netflix's 'Fast and Loose' was originally to be directed by 'Deadpool 2' director David Leitch. However, he withdrew from the project just a week before the Oscars. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, an insider said that both Netflix and Universal had been competing for a new project from Leitch, but the director was more attracted to the traditional studio than the streaming giant. Netflix subsequently began frantically searching for a new director to take up Smith's project, but decided to put the film on hold after the actor shocked the world with his on-air stunt over the weekend, per the source.
Meanwhile, Smith had also been filming 'Bad Boys 4' for Sony, but that project was also put on hold indefinitely. An insider told THR that the star had already been sent 40 pages of the screenplay as Sony intended to capitalize on the wave created by 'Bad Boys for Life', which grossed an impressive $204 million in box offices in 2020. That said, Smith still has the Apple TV+ production 'Emancipation' slated for release later in the year. The project could provide a glimpse into how the Oscars controversy has affected the actor's popularity.
In a bid to distance himself from the chaos, Smith has reportedly decided to kick back at a lavish retreat to do some "soul searching" following the backlash throughout the week. “The impact of the backlash has hit Will hard, so he will be getting help on dealing with stress," a Hollywood insider told The Sun. “This is unquestionably the battle of his career. It will be a high-end retreat used by the rich and famous and he will be doing a lot of soul searching and working out how he can move forward." The source added, "He hopes the conversation will move on so he can come back and salvage his reputation and career. His resignation speech raises the possibility that he fears he will be stripped of his Oscar. That would be a hammer blow to him.”
Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as awards bosses opened an investigation into his actions during the ceremony. The actor declared that he is ready to accept any further consequences for slapping Rock. “My actions were shocking, painful, and inexcusable," Smith wrote in his resignation statement. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken." He insisted, "Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”