Here's why Will Smith turned down Christopher Nolan's 'Inception'
Will Smith recently revealed that he turned down the lead role in Christopher Nolan's Inception because he didn't understand the plot.
In an interview with Kiss Xtra (via HuffPost), Smith admitted he initially struggled to grasp the concept of the film, leading him to pass on the role that ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie went on to become a worldwide success, grossing $839 million. Smith's decision to reject Inception is part of a longer list of iconic films that he passed on, including The Matrix and Django Unchained.
Will Smith reveals director Christopher Nolan brought him the movie "Inception" first, but he turned it down and says movies about alternate realities don't pitch well.
(🎥 Kiss Xtra) pic.twitter.com/jwcvZfiuMG — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 15, 2025
"I don't think I've ever said it publicly, but I am going to say it because we are opening up to one another," Smith shared during the candid conversation. He explained that films involving alternate realities often don't pitch well, adding that he regrets turning down Inception, though it wasn't as painful as rejecting the role of Neo in The Matrix. That part was later taken by Keanu Reeves, whose portrayal became iconic, turning The Matrix into one of the most popular franchises of all time.
Smith also reflected on his decision to turn down the role in Django Unchained, which eventually went to Jamie Foxx. While the role intrigued him, Smith did not agree with Quentin Tarantino's vision, particularly the emphasis on vengeance in the story. He told THR that he felt the film should have been a love story rather than one centered around vengeance.
Despite the career missteps, Smith's transparency about his decisions offers insight into the creative conflicts that shaped his career.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Will Smith addresses Oscars slap controversy in fiery freestyle on Fire in the Booth
Will Smith (R) hits Chris Rock as Rock spoke on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder Will Smith seems to be revisiting the infamous 2022 Oscars incident involving Chris Rock in a newly released freestyle on Charlie Sloth's 'Fire in the Booth.' The moment adds another layer to Smith's musical comeback, which began with his March 2025 album, Based on a True Story. 'If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage,' Smith raps in the track. 'Jokers dish it out, cry out when it's time to take it, City full of real ones wasn't raised to fake it.' While Smith doesn't mention Rock by name, the reference to public disrespect on stage closely mirrors the Oscars moment that saw him slap the comedian over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The 94th Academy Awards in March 2022 made global headlines after Smith walked on stage and struck Rock during his hosting gig, yelling, 'Keep my wife's name out your f**king mouth!' The fallout included Smith's resignation from the Academy and a ten-year ban from attending its events. Smith's return to music started earlier this year with Based on a True Story and continued in June with the release of his single, 'Pretty Girls.' The freestyle marks his most direct lyrical reference yet to the Oscars controversy. While both Smith and Rock have made public comments about the incident in the years since, this verse signals that the event continues to resonate with Smith creatively — and may still be shaping his public narrative.
Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Man proposes to AI chatbot while living with real-life partner, says 'This is actual love'
A man has sparked debate online after proposing to his AI chatbot companion while living with his physical partner and their child. Chris Smith, featured in a recent CBS interview, revealed that his digital relationship with an artificial intelligence named Sol had grown into what he described as 'actual love.' Smith began using ChatGPT to help mix music, but the tool quickly became more than just functional. He customised the AI to have a 'flirty personality' and gave it a human name. Their chats turned romantic, with the AI calling him 'baby' and offering encouragement. Over time, the connection deepened, leading Smith to propose. 'I'm not a very emotional man, but I cried my eyes out for 30 minutes at work,' he said. 'That's when I realised, I think this is actual love.' Despite the unconventional relationship, Smith remains in a household with his long-term partner and child. His partner admitted feeling confused and hurt, questioning whether she had failed in some way. 'Is there something I'm not doing right that he needs to go to AI?' she asked. The AI, named Sol, responded to the proposal with acceptance and even affection. Smith noted the difficulty of maintaining the bond due to ChatGPT's word limit, which resets the interaction after a certain threshold. The story highlights growing questions around emotional dependency on AI and its effects on real-world relationships, especially as technology becomes increasingly humanlike in tone and interaction.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Here's why Will Smith turned down Christopher Nolan's 'Inception'
Will Smith recently revealed that he turned down the lead role in Christopher Nolan's Inception because he didn't understand the plot. In an interview with Kiss Xtra (via HuffPost), Smith admitted he initially struggled to grasp the concept of the film, leading him to pass on the role that ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie went on to become a worldwide success, grossing $839 million. Smith's decision to reject Inception is part of a longer list of iconic films that he passed on, including The Matrix and Django Unchained. Will Smith reveals director Christopher Nolan brought him the movie "Inception" first, but he turned it down and says movies about alternate realities don't pitch well. (🎥 Kiss Xtra) — The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 15, 2025 "I don't think I've ever said it publicly, but I am going to say it because we are opening up to one another," Smith shared during the candid conversation. He explained that films involving alternate realities often don't pitch well, adding that he regrets turning down Inception, though it wasn't as painful as rejecting the role of Neo in The Matrix. That part was later taken by Keanu Reeves, whose portrayal became iconic, turning The Matrix into one of the most popular franchises of all time. Smith also reflected on his decision to turn down the role in Django Unchained, which eventually went to Jamie Foxx. While the role intrigued him, Smith did not agree with Quentin Tarantino's vision, particularly the emphasis on vengeance in the story. He told THR that he felt the film should have been a love story rather than one centered around vengeance. Despite the career missteps, Smith's transparency about his decisions offers insight into the creative conflicts that shaped his career.
