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Will Smith recently opened up about a major Hollywood opportunity he let slip through his fingers—turning down the lead role in 'Inception', a role that ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio.
In a candid conversation on 'Kiss Xtra', the 56-year-old actor admitted he was initially offered the part by visionary director Christopher Nolan. However, Will Smith confessed he didn’t fully understand the complex plot when he first read the script. He explained that he had never publicly shared this detail before but felt compelled to reflect on it during the interview.
Will Smith acknowledged that high-concept films like 'Inception' and 'The Matrix'—another iconic movie he previously passed on—don’t always translate well in pitch meetings. He described alternate reality stories as difficult to grasp without experiencing them firsthand, which played a role in his decision to walk away from both opportunities.
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Reflecting on those choices, Smith admitted that missing out on those movies still stings.
Released in 2010, 'Inception' became a groundbreaking sci-fi thriller, with Leonardo DiCaprio taking on the lead role of Dom Cobb, a skilled thief who specialises in extracting secrets from people's subconscious minds. The film featured an ensemble cast including Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Michael Caine.
Back in late 2010, industry insiders revealed that Christopher Nolan had first approached Brad Pitt for the lead role in 'Inception'. However, with Pitt taking too long to commit, the opportunity soon passed him by. The opportunity then reached Smith before ultimately landing with DiCaprio, who helped turn 'Inception' into a global box office hit and cultural phenomenon.
Will Smith's Hollywood Successes
Despite those missed chances, Will Smith's career has been anything but short on success. He’s headlined numerous blockbuster franchises, including 'Independence Day', 'Men in Black', 'Suicide Squad', and Disney’s live-action 'Aladdin'. In 2022, Will Smith took home his very first Oscar for Best Actor, thanks to his powerful portrayal of Richard Williams in 'King Richard'.
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That same year, Will Smith made headlines for an incident at the Oscars, but he's gradually returned to the spotlight with leading roles in 'Emancipation' (2022) and 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (2024).
Recently, Will Smith celebrated the 30th anniversary of 'Bad Boys' with longtime co-star Martin Lawrence, director Michael Bay, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. In a nostalgic Instagram post, Smith shared behind-the-scenes photos and expressed gratitude for the fans who’ve supported the franchise over the decades.
Although he passed on 'Inception', Will Smith continues to solidify his legacy in Hollywood with a career full of iconic performances and memorable milestones.
