Leavin' The Loot on the Table: Will Smith's Regret over Passing on 'Inception'
Smith declined an offer to star in "Inception".
Hollywood A-lister Will Smith might just be kicking himself these days. In an unexpected confession, Smith admitted that he turned down the chance to star in the mind-bending sci-fi epic, "Inception". It was the role that eventually landed Leonardo DiCaprio a truckload of accolades.
Throughout his illustrious career, Smith has been a part of numerous box-office giants. But it seems he's missed out on some stellar opportunities too. During a radio chat with Kiss Xtra, the 56-year-old admitted that Christopher Nolan had initially offered him the lead role in "Inception", but he wasn't able to wrap his head around the plot's complexity.
"I ain't never said this publicly, but here goes," Smith began, as reported by Variety. "Chris Nolan dropped 'Inception' on me first, and I didn't get it," he added, referring to the film's intricate multiple-reality narrative that had deterred him. Looking back, he admits to feeling a pang of regret.
With a worldwide box office take of around $840 million, "Inception" certainly proved that audiences wouldn't shy away from more demanding narratives[1]. For DiCaprio, the movie ranks second only to "Titanic" in his career.
More Career Missteps
Smith has probably had second thoughts about his decisions before "Inception." Back in 1999, he passed on the lead role as Neo in the first "Matrix" film, choosing instead the dismal "Wild Wild West." Keanu Reeves grabbed hold of the "Matrix" franchise and became a legendary action hero.
Shockingly, Smith also rejected Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino initially wanted Smith to play the eponymous character in "Django Unchained," but Smith didn't like the portrayal of the main character. Ultimately, Jamie Foxx slotted into the role. The film went on to earn five Oscar nominations, including Best Film, and took home two[4].
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References:[1] Box Office Mojo. (n.d.). Inception. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=inception.htm[2] NTV.de. (2021, February 10). Will Smith regrets turning down role in 'Inception' and 'The Matrix'. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.ntv.de/kultur/will-smith-regrets-turning-down-role-in-inception-and-the-matrix,10197764.html[3] Variety. (2021, February 10). Will Smith reveals he turned down 'Inception'. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://variety.com/2021/film/news/will-smith-turned-down-inception-1235021543/[4] IMDB.com. (n.d.). Django Unchained. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1828670/awards/?ref_=tt_awd_ta_10
"I'm not going to be a big fan of your show," expresses Smith's sentiments as he reflects on declining the role in 'Inception', a significant movie in the 'movies-and-tv' section of entertainment. Despite his success in Hollywood, Smith acknowledges that he has missed out on opportunities, such as the role that brought Leonardo DiCaprio international acclaim in 'Inception'.
