Will Smith Biopic In Jeopardy As Netflix & Apple TV + Back Out of Bidding War Amid Oscars Slap

Will Smith Biopic In Jeopardy As Netflix & Apple TV + Back Out of Bidding War Amid Oscars Slap

The fallout from the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars debacle continues and it looks like Smith’s career is taking a major hit!

Reportedly, a Will Smith biopic that was in the works may no longer be happening after both Netflix and Apple TV + lose interest in the project following the oscars controversy. According to reports, just last month, both streaming giants were willing to spend big bucks with their respective bids to secure the rights to the film. The movie was going to be based on the Will Smith’s best-selling autobiography, Will, which was released last year. However, a new report claims that Netflix and Apple TV + have withdrawn their bids with plans to use that money for other projects.

A source close to the project had this to say:

“Netflix and Apple + have quietly removed their bids for a Will Smith biopic and will instead relocate the funds and develop original ideas from new black actors..Working with Will has become a risky business. They now plan on developing ideas with more family-friendly stars like Mike Epps and Michael B. Jordan.”

This news adds to the list of other upcoming projects for the Oscar winning actor that now may be tossed to the side. It was recently reported that Will Smith’s Netflix Movie, ‘Fast and Loose’ and ‘Bad Boys Four’ have been put on hold following the Oscars incident. Industry sources say studios want to assess Will’s public standing before investing more money to further the projects.

Will Smith

As previously reported, during this years Oscars award ceremony, Will Smith charged onto the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face. The assault came after Rock joked that he was looking forward to a sequel to “G.I. Jane,” starring Jada Pinkett Smith who recently shaved her head due to her battle with alopecia.

Chris Rock, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith

After sitting back down, Will Smith shouted at Rock to “keep my wife’s name out of your f*** mouth.” 

The incident was met with immediate reaction and backlash with everyone from Jim Carrey, D.L. Hughley and Wanda Sykes weighing in on the controversy. 

Since the incident, Will Smith issued a public apology for the “unacceptable and inexcusable” actions that took place during the awards show.

In addition, Will Smith has made the decision to resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He said in a statement:

“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. 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 at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.”

Smith continued,

“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”

What are your thoughts on Will Smith’s upcoming projects being put on hold due to the Oscars slap? Let us know in the comments below!

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