Editing Will Smith (section)

=== 2008–2022: Career fluctuations and ''King Richard'' ===
In 2008, Smith was reported to be developing a film entitled ''The Last Pharaoh'', in which he would be starring as [[Taharqa]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Will Smith set to conquer Egypt? |publisher = Jam Showbiz |date = March 23, 2008 |url = http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/S/Smith_Will/2008/03/23/5078376-sun.html |access-date = March 23, 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120709073021/http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/S/Smith_Will/2008/03/23/5078376-sun.html |archive-date = July 9, 2012 }}</ref> Smith later starred in the superhero film ''[[Hancock (film)|Hancock]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title = There May Never Be Another Movie Star As Big As Will Smith|url = https://www.vulture.com/2015/03/new-movie-star-will-be-as-big-as-will-smith.html|website = Vulture| date=March 4, 2015 |access-date = September 28, 2015|archive-date = September 27, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150927211406/http://www.vulture.com/2015/03/new-movie-star-will-be-as-big-as-will-smith.html|url-status = live}}</ref> which grossed $227,946,274 in the United States and Canada and had a worldwide total of $624,386,746.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hancock.htm |title=Hancock (2008) |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=Amazon.com |access-date=December 3, 2008 |archive-date=June 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618010249/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hancock.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 19, 2011, it was announced that Smith returned to the studio with producer La Mar Edwards to work on his fifth studio album.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Will Smith making a new album? A producer says yes|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/19/will-smith-new-album/|first=Kyle|last=Anderson|date=August 19, 2011|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=August 20, 2011|archive-date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007134507/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/19/will-smith-new-album/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Smith again reprised his role as Agent J with ''[[Men in Black 3]]'', which opened on May 25, 2012, his first major starring role in four years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/dec/19/men-in-black-3-will-smith|title=Men in Black 3 returns Will Smith to the big screen – but doesn't add up|first=Ben|last=Child|date=December 19, 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826014537/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/dec/19/men-in-black-3-will-smith|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://screenrant.com/men-black-3-interviews-barry-sonnenfeld|title='Men in Black 3' Director Barry Sonnenfeld Talks Will Smith & Big Heads|publisher=screenrant.com|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162855/https://screenrant.com/men-black-3-interviews-barry-sonnenfeld/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the release of the film, Smith was content with ending his work with the franchise, saying, "I think three is enough for me. Three of anything is enough for me. We'll look at it and we'll consider it, but it feels like that it might be time to let someone else do that".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://screenrant.com/will-smith-men-black-4-interview/|title=Will Smith is Not Sure About 'Men in Black 4'; Says '3 Is Enough For Me'|publisher=screenrant.com|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162728/https://screenrant.com/will-smith-men-black-4-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Men in Black 3'', released ten years after ''[[Men in Black II]]'' (2002), grossed over $624&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mib3.htm |title=MIB 3 (2012) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=August 24, 2012 |archive-date=August 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821181910/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mib3.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Reviews>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/men_in_black_iii|title=Men in Black III (2012)|date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=May 28, 2019|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421001950/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/men_in_black_iii|url-status=live}}</ref> Unadjusted for inflation, it is the highest-grossing film in the series.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-men-black-mib3-will-smith-tommy-lee-jones-josh-brolin-sony-343957 | title=Box Office Report: 'Men in Black 3' Becomes Highest-Grossing Title in Franchise | magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | access-date=September 15, 2012 | archive-date=August 18, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818133623/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-men-black-mib3-will-smith-tommy-lee-jones-josh-brolin-sony-343957 | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, Smith starred in ''[[After Earth]]'' with his son Jaden. The film was a disappointment at the domestic box office and was panned critically.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Beaumont-Thomas|first1=Ben|title=Will Smith: 'A thing got broken in my mind' following After Earth flop|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/11/will-smith-after-earth-focus|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=October 17, 2017|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018072007/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/11/will-smith-after-earth-focus|url-status=live}}</ref> Calling the film "the most painful failure in my career", Smith ended up taking a year and a half break as a result.<ref name="Esquire">{{cite news|last1=Raab|first1=Scott|title=Will Smith on Kids, His Career, Ferguson, and Failure|url=http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a9938/will-smith-interview-0315/|website=Esquire|date=February 12, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111081435/http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a9938/will-smith-interview-0315/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Will_Smith_&_Margot_Robbie_(28522549541).jpg|thumb|Smith and [[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|''Suicide Squad'']] co-star [[Margot Robbie]] in 2016]]

Smith starred opposite [[Margot Robbie]] in the romance drama ''[[Focus (2015 film)|Focus]]'', released on February 27, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/man-from-uncle-movie-release-date-january-15-2015-guy-ritchie-686559/|title=UPDATE: Warner Bros Sets 2015 Release Dates For 'Run All Night', 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' And 'Focus'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=February 22, 2014|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126180018/http://deadline.com/2014/02/man-from-uncle-movie-release-date-january-15-2015-guy-ritchie-686559/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran con artist who takes a young, attractive woman under his wing. Smith was set to star in the sci-fi thriller ''Brilliance'', an adaptation of [[Marcus Sakey]]'s novel of the same name scripted by ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'' writer [[David Koepp]], but he left the project to work on the [[Ridley Scott]]-produced sports drama ''[[Concussion (2015 film)|Concussion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Smith-Talks-Star-Ridley-Scott-Produced-NFL-Concussion-Drama-43304.html|first=Gabe|last=Toro|title=Will Smith in Talks To Star in Ridley Scott-Produced NFL Concussion Drama|website=CinemaBlend|date=June 4, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162726/https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Smith-Talks-Star-Ridley-Scott-Produced-NFL-Concussion-Drama-43304.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Will Smith Drops Out of 'Brilliance'|first=Laura|last=Frances|url=http://www.latino-review.com/news/will-smith-drops-out-of-brilliance|publisher=Latino Review|date=May 30, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602021626/http://www.latino-review.com/news/will-smith-drops-out-of-brilliance|archive-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref>

In ''Concussion'', Smith played Dr. [[Bennet Omalu]] of the [[Brain Injury Research Institute]], the first to discover [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]]. Smith reported he had doubts about the film early in the production, saying, "some of my happiest memories are of watching my son catch and throw a [[American football|football]]. I didn't want to be the guy who did a movie saying football could be dangerous". These views subsided when he met Omalu, whose words about American ideals resonated with Smith.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/features/creative-impact-award-will-smith-1201668762/|title=Why 'Concussion' Changed Will Smith's Life|date=December 29, 2015|first=Jenelle|last=Riley|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222165058/https://variety.com/2015/film/features/creative-impact-award-will-smith-1201668762/|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith's performance was praised for being "sensitive [and] understated".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_29312021/concussion-movie-review-sensitive-will-smith-anchors-film |title="Concussion" movie review |website=The Denver Post |date=December 25, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127090227/http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_29312021/concussion-movie-review-sensitive-will-smith-anchors-film |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, Smith played [[Deadshot]] in the supervillain team-up action film ''[[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|Suicide Squad]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/suicide-squad-cast-revealed-jared-leto-to-play-the-joker-will-smith-is-deadshot-1201368867/|title='Suicide Squad' Cast Revealed: Jared Leto to Play the Joker, Will Smith is Deadshot|date=December 2, 2014|magazine=Variety|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219012333/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/suicide-squad-cast-revealed-jared-leto-to-play-the-joker-will-smith-is-deadshot-1201368867/|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith's participation in the film meant choosing it over a role in ''[[Independence Day: Resurgence]]'', which he said would be like "clinging and clawing backwards".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/12/09/will-smith-suicide-squad-independence-day-resurgence/|title=Will Smith: Why he chose Suicide Squad over Independence Day: Resurgence|date=December 9, 2016|first=Will|last=Robinson|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=November 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122235600/https://ew.com/article/2016/12/09/will-smith-suicide-squad-independence-day-resurgence/|url-status=live}}</ref> While ''Suicide Squad'' was a massive financial success, earning over $700 million at the box office, the film received negative reviews from critics. Christopher Orr, film critic from ''[[The Atlantic (magazine)|The Atlantic]]'' wrote that "the latest offering from the DC Comics superhero universe may be the most disastrous yet".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/08/suicide-squad-review/494669/|title= Suicide Squad Is the Worst of the Worst|website= The Atlantic|date= August 5, 2016|access-date= March 7, 2022|archive-date= November 29, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201129212004/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/08/suicide-squad-review/494669/|url-status= live}}</ref> Later that year, Smith starred in director [[David Frankel]]'s drama ''[[Collateral Beauty]]'', playing a New York advertising executive who succumbs to a deep depression after a personal tragedy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/will-smith-david-frankel-collateral-beauty-1201619138/|title=Will Smith's 'Collateral Beauty' Lands Director David Frankel|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=November 10, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2016|archive-date=January 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119215543/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/will-smith-david-frankel-collateral-beauty-1201619138/|url-status=live}}</ref> Weeks after signing Smith onto the film, his father was diagnosed with cancer, from which he died in 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/will-smith-father-death-collateral-beauty-ellen-degeneres-954211|title=Will Smith Opens Up About How 'Collateral Beauty' Helped Him Deal With Dad's Death|date=December 8, 2016|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211233111/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/will-smith-father-death-collateral-beauty-ellen-degeneres-954211|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of his role required him to read about religion and the afterlife, he was brought closer to the elder Smith, calling the experience "a beautiful way to prepare for a movie and an even more majestic way to say goodbye to my father".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/12/13/collateral-beauty-will-smith-jacob-latimore/95109620/|title=How 'Collateral Beauty' helped Will Smith say goodbye to his father|first=Patrick|last=Ryan|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820114727/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/12/13/collateral-beauty-will-smith-jacob-latimore/95109620/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film marked the lowest box office opening of Will Smith's career.<ref name="opening">{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/rogue-one-star-wars-story-preview-box-office-social-media-1201871704/|title='Rogue One' Flying To $152M+ Weekend; 'Collateral Beauty' A Career B.O. Low For Will Smith: PM Update|magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=December 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219142848/http://deadline.com/2016/12/rogue-one-star-wars-story-preview-box-office-social-media-1201871704/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film also received near universal negative reviews from film critics.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/collateral_beauty|title= COLLATERAL BEAUTY|website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]]|date= December 16, 2016|access-date= March 7, 2022|archive-date= May 2, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180502002030/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/collateral_beauty|url-status= live}}</ref> ''[[Hollywood Reporter]]'' critic David Rooney criticized Smith's performance writing as "the least interesting component in a madly overqualified cast".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/collateral-beauty-review-955614/|title= 'Collateral Beauty': Film Review|website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date= December 13, 2016|access-date= March 7, 2022|archive-date= March 8, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000941/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/collateral-beauty-review-955614/|url-status= live}}</ref>

His film ''[[Bright (film)|Bright]]'' was distributed via Netflix on December 22, 2017. An urban fantasy, it was the most expensive film for Netflix to date. Smith collaborated with his director from ''Suicide Squad'', [[David Ayer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/will-smith-explains-why-he-made-bright-for-netflix.html|title=Will Smith on His Netflix Film: 'You Almost Can't Make New Movie Stars Anymore'|first=Kyle|last=Buchanan|date=July 20, 2017|website=Vulture.com|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220134415/https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/will-smith-explains-why-he-made-bright-for-netflix.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This would also be another critical disappointment for Smith, with critics panning the film. [[Richard Roeper]] of ''[[The Chicago Sun-Times]]'' criticized the film and Smith's performance writing, "By the time Will Smith barks [the line, "Dude, you can't go through elf town!"] with 100 percent urgency and sincerity in the mindboggling mess that is "Bright," it's clear we are watching a truly terrible, mountainous pile of genre-blending garbage".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/put-an-orc-in-it-will-smiths-cop-fantasy-bright-a-netflix-disaster/|title= Put an orc in it: Will Smith's cop fantasy 'Bright' a Netflix disaster|website= The Chicago-Sun Times|date= March 7, 2022|access-date= March 8, 2022|archive-date= March 8, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000941/https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/put-an-orc-in-it-will-smiths-cop-fantasy-bright-a-netflix-disaster/|url-status= live}}</ref>

Also in 2017, Smith released the song "Get Lit" a collaboration between him and his former group mate Jazzy Jeff,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Colburn|first1=Randall|title=Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff's new song, "Get Lit", is tremendously bad|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/will-smith-and-dj-jazzy-jeffs-new-song-get-lit-is-tremendously-bad-watch/|website=Consequence of Sound|date=August 28, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151623/https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/will-smith-and-dj-jazzy-jeffs-new-song-get-lit-is-tremendously-bad-watch/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kaye|first1=Ben|title=Will Smith unveils the studio version for 'Get Lit', his incredibly shitty new EDM song|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/10/will-smith-is-back-with-a-new-edm-song-get-lit-and-its-as-terrible-as-you-feared-stream/|website=Consenquence of Sound|date=October 18, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151831/https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/10/will-smith-is-back-with-a-new-edm-song-get-lit-and-its-as-terrible-as-you-feared-stream/|url-status=live}}</ref> and launched his own YouTube channel, which {{as of|2019|07|lc=yes}} has over 6 million subscribers and 294 million total views.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuHFYu3smtrl2AwwMOXOlg/about|title=Will Smith|via=YouTube|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-date=October 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020193841/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuHFYu3smtrl2AwwMOXOlg/about|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith performed the official song "[[Live It Up (Nicky Jam song)|Live It Up]]" alongside American singer [[Nicky Jam]] and Kosovar singer [[Era Istrefi]] at the closing ceremony of the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] in Moscow, Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/nicky-jam-will-smith-will-sing-year-s-official-fifa-n876721|title=Nicky Jam, Will Smith will sing this year's official FIFA 2018 World Cup song|publisher=[[NBC News]]|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=July 16, 2018|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718073641/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/nicky-jam-will-smith-will-sing-year-s-official-fifa-n876721|url-status=live}}</ref> That September, Smith appeared, alongside [[Bad Bunny]], on the [[Marc Anthony]] song "[[Está Rico]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Browning |first1=Justine |title=Watch Will Smith return to rap roots with Marc Anthony and Bad Bunny for Está Rico |url=https://ew.com/music/2018/09/28/will-smith-marc-anthony-bad-bunny-esta-rico/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302210350/https://ew.com/music/2018/09/28/will-smith-marc-anthony-bad-bunny-esta-rico/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Will Smith at the close of the 2018 Soccer World Cup.jpg|thumb|Smith performed the soccer [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]]'s official song "[[Live It Up (Nicky Jam song)|Live It Up]]".]]

Smith portrayed the [[Genie (Disney)|Genie]] (originally voiced by [[Robin Williams]]) in the [[Aladdin (2019 film)|live-action adaptation]] of Disney's ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'', directed by [[Guy Ritchie]]. He also participated in the soundtracks by recording singles: "Arabian Nights (2019)", "[[Friend Like Me]]", and "[[Prince Ali (song)|Prince Ali]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2019/05/21/aladdin-soundtrack-details/|title='Aladdin' Soundtrack Details – Film Music Reporter|website=Filmmusicreproter.com|access-date=June 8, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154427/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2019/05/21/aladdin-soundtrack-details/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was released on May 24, 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine|title='Aladdin': Disney Casts Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/aladdin-will-smith-naomi-scott-jasmine-cast-mena-massoud-d23-1202496767/|magazine=Variety|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715232330/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/aladdin-will-smith-naomi-scott-jasmine-cast-mena-massoud-d23-1202496767/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Aladdin'' grossed over $1&nbsp;billion worldwide to become Smith's highest-grossing film, surpassing ''Independence Day''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Will Smith Movie Box Office Results |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=willsmith.htm |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=July 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706234818/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=willsmith.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith was also featured on rapper Logic's song "Don't Be Afraid To Be Different" (2019), from his fifth studio album ''Confessions of a Dangerous Mind''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/a/will-smith-drops-references-to-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-on-logic-s-don-t-be-afraid-to-be-different|title=Will Smith Drops References To 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' On Logic's "Don't Be Afraid To Be Different"|first=Eddie|last=Fu|work=Genius|access-date=March 23, 2021|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421184509/https://genius.com/a/will-smith-drops-references-to-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-on-logic-s-don-t-be-afraid-to-be-different|url-status=live}}</ref>

Smith appeared as an assassin who faces off against a younger clone of himself in [[Ang Lee]]'s ''[[Gemini Man (film)|Gemini Man]]'', released on October 11, 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ang-lees-gemini-man-gets-october-2019-release-1019156|title=Ang Lee's 'Gemini Man' Gets October 2019 Release|last=Lee|first=Ashley|date=July 6, 2017|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214091056/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ang-lees-gemini-man-gets-october-2019-release-1019156|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a [[box office bomb]] and received negative reviews from critics. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''{{'}}s Peter DeBruge called the film "a high-concept misfire" and wrote: "In practice, it's been a nearly impossible project to get made, passing through the hands of countless actors and falling through multiple times because the technology wasn't there yet. At least, that's been the excuse, although judging by the finished product, it was the script that never lived up to the promise of its premise".<ref>{{cite web |date= September 26, 2019 |last= DeBruge |first= Peter |title= Film Review: Will Smith in 'Gemini Man' |url= https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/gemini-man-review-will-smith-1203349531/ |website= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date= March 7, 2022 |archive-date= March 8, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000941/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/gemini-man-review-will-smith-1203349531/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Later that year, Smith had his second starring role in an animated film, in ''[[Spies in Disguise]]'', opposite [[Tom Holland (actor)|Tom Holland]]. Smith voiced Lance Sterling, a spy who teams up with the nerdy inventor who creates his gadgets (Holland).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/will-smith-tom-holland-1202584327/|title=Will Smith, Tom Holland to Star in Animated Movie 'Spies in Disguise' (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Lang|first=Brent|date=October 9, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=October 11, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012040501/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/will-smith-tom-holland-1202584327/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, he reteamed with Martin Lawrence for the third film in their franchise, ''[[Bad Boys for Life]]''. In 2019, Smith and [[Keisuke Honda]] led a $46 million [[Venture round|investment round]] in esports organization [[Gen.G]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Actor Will Smith joins $46m investment into esports organisation Gen.G|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-04-18-actor-will-smith-leads-usd46m-investment-into-esports-organisation-gen-g|access-date=June 29, 2021|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=April 18, 2019 |language=en|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629131945/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-04-18-actor-will-smith-leads-usd46m-investment-into-esports-organisation-gen-g|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, it was announced that Smith would star in ''[[Emancipation (2022 film)|Emancipation]]'', directed by [[Antoine Fuqua]], in which he portrays Peter, a runaway slave, who outsmarts hunters and the Louisiana swamp on a journey to the [[Union Army]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-emancipation-1234635393/|title=Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua Team on Runaway Slave Thriller 'Emancipation'|first1=Justin|last1=Kroll|date=June 15, 2020|access-date=June 19, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617192418/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-emancipation-1234635393/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Smith's memoir ''[[Will (Will Smith memoir)|Will]]'', which was written with [[Mark Manson]], the author of ''The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,'' was published on November 9, 2021, and promoted with a tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/will-smith-announces-first-book|title=Will Smith Shares Title, Cover of His First Book, 'WILL'|website=Complex|first=Brenton|last=Blanchet|date=June 19, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620220716/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/will-smith-announces-first-book|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 24, 2021|title=WILL SMITH Announces WILL: AN EVENING OF STORIES WITH FRIENDS at the Savoy Theatre|url=https://www.bestoftheatre.co.uk/blog/post/will-smith|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=BestofTheatre|language=en|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924150106/https://www.bestoftheatre.co.uk/blog/post/will-smith|url-status=live}}</ref> The book is a journey of self-knowledge recalling childhood traumas, his relationship with his father, and his experiences with [[ayahuasca]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mosley|first=Tonya|date=November 10, 2021|title=Will Smith says he crafted a joyful image to cover the pain of the past|language=en|publisher=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/11/10/1054242854/will-smith-memoir-king-richard?t=1643656877147|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131193659/https://www.npr.org/2021/11/10/1054242854/will-smith-memoir-king-richard?t=1643656877147|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gilman|first=Greg|date=November 20, 2021|title=Ayahuasca Helped Will Smith 'Surrender' and More Psychedelic Revelations From Actor's Memoir|url=https://psychedelicspotlight.com/will-smith-ayahuasca-surrender-psychedelic-revelations-from-actors-memoir-will/|access-date=January 31, 2022|website=Psychedelic Spotlight|language=en-US|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131193700/https://psychedelicspotlight.com/will-smith-ayahuasca-surrender-psychedelic-revelations-from-actors-memoir-will/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, he and his [[Westbrook (company)|Westbrook Studios]] company signed a deal with [[National Geographic]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2021|title=Will Smith's Westbrook Studios Signs First-Look Deal With Nat Geo|url=https://www.thewrap.com/will-smiths-westbrook-studios-signs-first-look-deal-with-nat-geo/|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=TheWrap|language=en-US|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819003622/https://www.thewrap.com/will-smiths-westbrook-studios-signs-first-look-deal-with-nat-geo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Smith portrayed [[Richard Williams (tennis coach)|Richard Williams]], father and coach of tennis players [[Venus Williams|Venus]] and [[Serena Williams]], in the 2021 film [[King Richard (film)|''King Richard'']]. For his performance, he won the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]],<ref name="indiewire">{{Cite web |last1=Zilko |first1=Christian |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'King Richard' Following Unexpected Live TV Confrontation |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/will-smith-wins-best-actor-oscar-king-richard-1234710880/ |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=IndieWire |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075609/https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/will-smith-wins-best-actor-oscar-king-richard-1234710880/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama]], and the [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Golden Globes 2022 winners: The full list as Will Smith, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet and more are honoured at low-key awards |url=https://news.sky.com/story/golden-globes-2022-winners-the-full-list-as-will-smith-nicole-kidman-kate-winslet-and-more-are-honoured-at-low-key-awards-12512815 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |publisher=Sky News |date=January 10, 2022 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114161711/https://news.sky.com/story/golden-globes-2022-winners-the-full-list-as-will-smith-nicole-kidman-kate-winslet-and-more-are-honoured-at-low-key-awards-12512815 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 7, 2022, National Geographic announced that Smith would star in a series titled ''Pole to Pole'', which will stream on [[Disney+]]. The series follows Smith and his film crew as they go on a {{convert|26000|mi|km|adj=on}} trek from the South Pole to the North Pole, crossing all of Earth's [[biome]]s and spending time in communities along the way.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Porter|first=Rick|title=Will Smith Will Travel From South Pole to North Pole for National Geographic Series|url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/will-smith-national-geographic-series-pole-to-pole-1235028366/|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 7, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208022114/https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/will-smith-national-geographic-series-pole-to-pole-1235028366/|url-status=live}}</ref> Part of the filming took place during an expedition in the [[Geography of Ecuador#El Oriente (the East) Amazon Basin|Ecuadorian Amazon]] which helped discover the [[northern green anaconda]].<ref name="Anaconda">{{Cite news |last=Fry |first=Bryan G. |date=February 19, 2024 |title=Scientists shocked to discover new species of green anaconda, the world's biggest snake |url=http://theconversation.com/scientists-shocked-to-discover-new-species-of-green-anaconda-the-worlds-biggest-snake-223549 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229012503/https://theconversation.com/scientists-shocked-to-discover-new-species-of-green-anaconda-the-worlds-biggest-snake-223549 |url-status=live |journal=The Conversation }}</ref>

==== 2022 Oscars incident ====
{{Main|Chris Rock–Will Smith slapping incident}}
{{further|94th Academy Awards}}

During the [[94th Academy Awards]] on March 27, 2022, Smith walked onstage and slapped presenter and comedian [[Chris Rock]] who had made a joke about his wife [[Jada Pinkett Smith]]'s shaved head<ref name="Alopecia">{{cite web |last=Bellamy |first=Claretta |date=January 7, 2022 |title=How Jada Pinkett Smith is uplifting Black women with alopecia |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/jada-pinkett-smith-uplifting-black-women-alopecia-rcna11273 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328034022/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/jada-pinkett-smith-uplifting-black-women-alopecia-rcna11273 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> with a reference to the main protagonist in the film ''[[G.I. Jane]]''. Smith then returned to his seat and yelled at Rock, twice saying "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!"<ref>{{cite news |title=Watch the uncensored moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, drops F-bomb | date=March 27, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjEoDypUD8 |via=YouTube |publisher=[[The Guardian|Guardian News]] |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329060337/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjEoDypUD8 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars after joke at wife Jada Pinkett Smith's expense |author=ABC7 |date=March 27, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d7VvQcWscY |via=YouTube |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329034929/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d7VvQcWscY |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Respers |first1=Lisa France |last2=Elam |first2=Stephanie |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Will Smith appeared to strike Chris Rock on Oscars telecast |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/27/entertainment/will-smith-chris-rock/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328064453/https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/27/entertainment/will-smith-chris-rock/index.html |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Pinkett Smith had been diagnosed with [[alopecia areata]] in 2018 and would later shave her head due to the condition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Kimberley |date=December 29, 2021 |title=Jada Pinkett Smith Shares Update On Her Journey With Alopecia |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jada-pinkett-smith-alopecia-update-hair-loss_n_61ccb8eee4b0c7d8b8a0f8f4 |publisher=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409085327/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jada-pinkett-smith-alopecia-update-hair-loss_n_61ccb8eee4b0c7d8b8a0f8f4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stevens |first=Matt |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith hits Chris Rock after joke about his wife, Jada. |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/27/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-oscars.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328181037/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/27/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-oscars.html |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] (AMPAS) said that Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but he refused.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sperling|first1=Nicole|last2=Jacobs|first2=Julia|date=March 30, 2022|title=Will Smith Refused to Leave Oscars After Slap, Academy Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-slap-oscars.html|url-status=bot: unknown|newspaper=The New York Times|location=Los Angeles|publication-place=New York City|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331001652/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-slap-oscars.html|archive-date=March 31, 2022|access-date=March 31, 2022|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Later in the night, Smith was named [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for ''[[King Richard (film)|King Richard]]'' and apologized to the Academy and the other nominees, but not to Rock, in his acceptance speech.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith Tearfully Apologizes to Academy After Chris Rock Oscars Slap |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-oscar-best-actor-apology-slap-king-richard-1235119288/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328051847/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-oscar-best-actor-apology-slap-king-richard-1235119288/ |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Will Smith appeared to hit Chris Rock at the Oscars over joke about Jada Pinkett Smith |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/will-smith-appears-hit-chris-rock-joke-wife-rcna21775 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075609/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/will-smith-appears-hit-chris-rock-joke-wife-rcna21775 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Whelan |first=Robbie |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Will Smith Takes to Oscar Stage, Appears to Strike Chris Rock After Joke About Jada Pinkett Smith |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/oscars-academy-awards-2022/card/will-smith-takes-to-oscar-stage-appears-to-strike-chris-rock-after-joke-about-jada-pinkett-smith-20Zr7QDygQqZ31fHDlCT |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075610/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/oscars-academy-awards-2022/card/will-smith-takes-to-oscar-stage-appears-to-strike-chris-rock-after-joke-about-jada-pinkett-smith-20Zr7QDygQqZ31fHDlCT |url-status=live }}</ref> The live audience gave Smith two standing ovations. Smith remained at the ceremony until its conclusion and participated in the celebrations later that evening.<ref>Yevgeny Kuklychev, "Fact Check: Did Will Smith Receive a Standing Ovation at the Oscars?" ''Newsweek'', March 28, 2022, updated March 29, 2022, [https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-did-will-smith-receive-standing-ovation-oscars-1692481 newsweek.com].</ref> Following public backlash, Smith issued a formal apology via a public [[Instagram]] post.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Shafer |first1=Ellise |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith Apologizes to Chris Rock for Oscars Slap: 'I Was Out of Line and I Was Wrong' |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slap-oscars-statement-1235216526/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328235719/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slap-oscars-statement-1235216526/ |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |magazine=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Arkin |first1=Daniel |title=Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock for slapping him at the Academy Awards |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/awards/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slapping-academy-awards-rcna21925 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075611/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/awards/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slapping-academy-awards-rcna21925 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=NBC News |date=March 28, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[ABC News (United States)|ABC]], AMPAS, and the [[Screen Actors Guild]] condemned Smith following the incident, prompting an investigation by the Academy's Board of Governors.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-03-29/will-smith-apology-whoopi-goldberg-academy-consequences|title= Film academy governor Whoopi Goldberg: 'Nobody is OK with what happened' with Smith|newspaper= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 29, 2022|access-date= March 30, 2022|archive-date= March 31, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220331010936/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-03-29/will-smith-apology-whoopi-goldberg-academy-consequences|url-status= live}}</ref> Rock declined to press charges against Smith, according to the [[Los Angeles Police Department]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeo |first=Amanda |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Chris Rock won't press charges against Will Smith for that Oscars slap |url=https://mashable.com/article/chris-rock-will-smith-oscars-charges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075610/https://mashable.com/article/chris-rock-will-smith-oscars-charges |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=[[Mashable]] |language=en}}</ref> On April 1, 2022, Smith tendered his resignation from the Academy, writing in part:

<blockquote>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. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.</blockquote>

The AMPAS President [[David Rubin (casting director)|David Rubin]] accepted the resignation in an official statement but said they would continue their investigation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Will Smith resigns from Academy after Oscars slap |url=https://news.yahoo.com/smith-resigns-academy-oscars-slap-013500762.html |access-date=April 2, 2022 |work=Yahoo News |date=April 2, 2022 |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402022750/https://news.yahoo.com/smith-resigns-academy-oscars-slap-013500762.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith's resignation means he is no longer able to vote on Oscar nominations as a member of the Academy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Tangcay |first1=Jazz |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Here's What Will Smith's Resignation From the Academy Means |url=https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/will-smith-resignation-academy-what-it-means-1235221516/ |access-date=April 2, 2022 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402135534/https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/will-smith-resignation-academy-what-it-means-1235221516/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Commentators have speculated that Smith's resignation from the Academy and other related fallout from the slap would damage his "family brand".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ryzik |first1=Melena |last2=Sperling |first2=Nicole |last3=Stevens |first3=Matt |date=April 2, 2022 |title=A Slap Could Sting the Smith Family Brand |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/movies/will-smith-family-oscars-slap.html |access-date=April 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403012847/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/movies/will-smith-family-oscars-slap.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 8, 2022, the Academy announced its decision to ban Smith from future Oscars galas and associated events for 10 years.<ref name="Banned">{{Cite news |date=April 8, 2022 |title=Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years over slap |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61018821 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408190911/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61018821 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several film projects that Smith had been involved in were put on hold as a result of the controversy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Will Smith's Upcoming Film Projects Reportedly Paused in Aftermath of Oscars Slap |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-upcoming-films-paused-oscars-slap-1331829/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404072450/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-upcoming-films-paused-oscars-slap-1331829/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a statement to CNN, Smith stated: "I accept and respect the Academy's decision".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/08/entertainment/will-smith-academy-sanctions-decision/index.html|title=Actor Will Smith banned from attending Oscars for 10 years|work=[[CNN]]|date=April 8, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2022|archive-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411082016/https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/08/entertainment/will-smith-academy-sanctions-decision/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Ricardo P Lloyd {{!}} Why I am so over the Will Smith Oscar Incident! |url=https://www.thestudentpocketguide.com/2022/04/entertainment/film/ricardo-p-lloyd-will-smith-oscar-incident/ |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=Student Pocket Guide {{!}} UK Student Magazine |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425130441/https://www.thestudentpocketguide.com/2022/04/entertainment/film/ricardo-p-lloyd-will-smith-oscar-incident/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith offered an on camera apology on July 29, saying he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions.<ref name="Deadline">{{cite web |title=Will Smith Breaks Silence: "Deeply Remorseful" For Oscar Slap |date=July 29, 2022 |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/will-smith-breaks-silence-deeply-remorseful-for-oscar-slap-1235081101/ |publisher=Deadline |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807102838/https://deadline.com/2022/07/will-smith-breaks-silence-deeply-remorseful-for-oscar-slap-1235081101/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a result of the incident, Netflix cancelled production on an action film that was set to star Smith titled ''Fast and Loose.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/netflix-halts-will-smith-movie-fast-and-loose-1234713775/|title=Netflix Halts Development of Will Smith Movie 'Fast and Loose' — Report|first=Christian|last=Zilko|date=April 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-netflix-movie-1235123901-1235123901/|title=Netflix Backs Away From Will Smith Film 'Fast and Loose' (Exclusive)|first=Kim|last=Masters|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=April 2, 2022}}</ref> In December 2022, ''Emancipation'' was released to mixed reviews and was a commercial failure. Producer [[Todd Black]] partially attributed the failure to Smith's involvement following the Oscar incident.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2023/8/30/jjbh09n8kbcfipxkv3hs88sfeq24xc.‘Emancipation’|title=Producer Says the Film "Didn't Get A Fair Shake"}}</ref>