Four months after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, it has been reported that Will Smith is “back in talks with Netflix” to produce a tell-all biopic of his life. Projects for the I Am Legend actor reportedly stalled as a result of the incident, including the Apple movie Emancipation and the most recent chapter of the popular action series Bad Boys.
An insider has revealed that Netflix, the world’s largest streaming service, is now looking to “move ahead” with a movie about The Fresh Prince of Bel Air actor’s life. They claimed: “In the wake of the slap, Will was left out in the cold by Netflix and Apple+.
The shelved biopic of the King Richard actor is reportedly back in development with Netflix. “In the aftermath of the slap, Netflix and Apple+ abandoned Will.” “He has since apologised and has stepped away from the spotlight for an extended period of time,” a source told The Sun.
“It has been made clear that discussions about a biopic in which Netflix was interested can resume,” the source added. “Arguably, the slap and the fallout are pivotal moments in Will’s life and will become part of his life’s storyline,” an insider added. Netflix wants to be a part of those discussions, and Will’s team believes Apple will follow suit.”
‘He has since apologised and has stepped away from the spotlight for an extended period of time.’ With that in mind, it is widely agreed that enough time has passed to allow the dust to settle.’ ‘Arguably, the slap and the fallout are pivotal moments in Will’s life and will become part of his life’s storyline,’ they said.
‘Netflix wants to be a part of those discussions, and Will’s team is confident that Apple will follow suit.’ The reports of the talks come after Will, who won an Oscar for his role in King Richard, apologised to the comedian. The Men in Black actor addressed the incident in a candid video, apologising to all those affected, including his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and their family.
‘I’d like to apologise to Chris’ mother. I saw an interview Chris’ mother did, and that was one of the things about that moment I didn’t realise; I wasn’t thinking about how many people were hurt in that moment, so I apologise to Chris’ mother.’
The Hitch star stunned the world in March when he stormed the stage at the Academy Awards after Chris, 57, referred to Jada, who has alopecia, as ‘GI Jane.’