Will Smith Biopic in Jeopardy as Netflix and Apple TV+ Back Out of Bidding War

A Will Smith biopic that was in the works may no longer be happening after losing interest from both Netflix and Apple TV+. Just last month, it was reported that the streamers were both putting up big money with their respective bids to secure the rights to the film. The plan for the movie is for it to be based on the actor’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 However, a new report claims that Netflix and Apple TV+ have withdrawn their bids with plans to funnel that money into other projects.

“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,” a source said to be close to the project told The Sun. “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.”

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This news is not exactly surprising, given what’s been happening with other projects that were in development involving Smith. It was recently reported that Netflix had shelved Fast and Loose, a planned movie that would have starred Smith in the lead role. The sequel Bad Boys 4 was getting pretty far along in pre-production but that movie has also been put on pause in light of Smith’s Oscars scandal.

For those still catching up with the fiasco that happened at the Oscars, Smith smacked Chris Rock on live television with millions watching around the world after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith. The backlash was immense and immediate, as many viewers were calling for Smith to be removed from the building if not arrested and charged criminally. Many on social media have said they will no longer support Smith’s projects moving forward, and it would seem that Netflix and Apple TV+ are among those that have taken notice of the controversy.

Related: SNL Sketch Reveals Will Smith’s Oscars Slap from His Seat Filler’s Perspective

Will Smith Might Lose His Best Lead Actor Oscar

ABC

On the night he attacked Chris Rock, Will Smith won his first Academy Award, landing the Oscar for Best Lead Actor with his King Richard performance. The actor delivered a speech through tears while accepting the award, and there has been additional backlash aimed at the Academy for permitting this to happen. Many feel that Smith should have been disqualified from earning an award after getting violent with a presenter at the ceremony.

This could still happen. While Smith has resigned from the Academy of his own volition, there may be additional consequences that are coming his way. The incident is under formal review at the Academy and it is possible that he could end up having his Oscar rescinded. In his resignation letter, Smith stated that he was willing to accept any of the consequences that may come as a result of his actions.

“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,” Smith said. “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. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”

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Jeremy Dick
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Jeremy Dick has been a writer and editor since 2014. He is a self-professed horror expert, pop culture enthusiast, and Bob Saget fanatic.

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