The Film Will Smith Describes As A “Thorn In My Side”

Will Smith has maintained a position as one of the most recognizable and successful figures in the global entertainment industry for decades. His career spans from his early days as a rapper to becoming a dominant force at the box office with countless blockbusters. Despite his massive success he is often candid about the moments when things did not go as planned. One specific project stands out to him as a significant professional misstep. He has famously labeled the 1999 film ‘Wild Wild West’ as a major regret in his extensive filmography.

The actor reflects on this period of his life as a time when his motivations were perhaps not in the right place. He admits that he was more focused on becoming the biggest movie star in the world than on the quality of the stories he was telling. Smith noted that “I had so much success that I started to taste global blood” when describing his mindset at the time. This drive led him to make choices based on potential box office numbers rather than artistic merit. Smith has noted that “Wild Wild West is a thorn in my side” when discussing the trajectory of his career.

The choice to lead the steampunk western was particularly painful because it meant turning down another iconic role. During the same period the Wachowskis approached him with the lead role in ‘The Matrix’. At the time Smith did not fully grasp the vision they had for the groundbreaking science fiction film. He found the pitch for the slow motion bullet effects confusing and difficult to visualize. Instead of joining what would become a cultural phenomenon he opted for the high budget spectacle of ‘Wild Wild West’.

Looking back on the pitch for ‘The Matrix’ Smith acknowledges that he was not in the right frame of mind to appreciate the innovation. He recalls the directors trying to explain the revolutionary 360 degree camera shots to him during their meeting. The actor admits he simply did not see the potential that Keanu Reeves eventually brought to the character of Neo. He often jokes that he would have messed it up if he had taken the part. Smith believes that the casting of Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne was perfect for that specific story.

While ‘The Matrix’ went on to redefine the action genre ‘Wild Wild West’ faced a much harsher reception from both critics and fans. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld the film was a reimagining of the classic television series. It featured an ensemble cast including Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh alongside Smith. The production was expensive and relied heavily on visual effects that many felt lacked heart. Smith realized quickly that the marketing campaign was more effective than the movie itself.

The actor has been very vocal about his feelings regarding the promotional tactics used for the film. He felt that he had built a level of trust with his fans through hits like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’. When ‘Wild Wild West’ was released he felt that he had exploited that trust to sell tickets for a subpar experience. He describes the realization as a turning point in how he approached his work. Smith made a promise to himself to stop focusing solely on winning the box office race.

He believes that honesty with the audience is the most important factor for a long lasting career. In interviews he has mentioned that he hated that he was “promoting something because I wanted to win” rather than because it was a great movie. This experience taught him that fans can tell when an actor is not genuine about their work. He now prioritizes projects that offer more emotional depth or unique perspectives. The sting of the film’s failure remains a constant reminder of the dangers of vanity in Hollywood.

Despite this specific regret Smith has continued to evolve as a performer and producer. He recently returned to the spotlight with the continuation of the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise which proved to be a massive hit. He also received significant acclaim for his powerful performance in ‘King Richard’ where he played the father of Venus and Serena Williams. This role finally earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He remains one of the few stars who can still draw massive audiences to theaters.

His recent work also includes the historical drama ‘Emancipation’ which was released on Apple TV Plus. The film showcased a more somber and physically demanding side of his acting abilities. He is currently involved in several upcoming projects including a highly anticipated sequel to ‘I Am Legend’. Rumors suggest that Michael B. Jordan will join him for the next chapter of that post apocalyptic story. Fans are also looking forward to seeing him return in more comedic or action oriented roles in the near future.

Smith has also spent time focusing on his personal growth and sharing his journey through his memoir. He has become a prominent figure on social media where he shares behind the scenes looks at his life and work. His production company Westbrook Inc. continues to develop a wide variety of content across different platforms. Even with the “thorn in my side” that ‘Wild Wild West’ represents his legacy is firmly established. He continues to be a central figure in the conversation about the evolution of modern cinema.

Please share your thoughts on whether you think this film deserves its negative reputation in the comments.