Will Smith Reflects On The Action Movie He Calls A “Thorn In My Side”

Will Smith has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in Hollywood history. He transitioned from a rap star to a television icon before becoming a global box office king. Despite his many achievements he still looks back on some projects with a sense of regret. One specific film remains a frustrating memory for him as he reflects on his creative legacy.

The movie Smith famously views as a mistake is the 1999 steampunk western ‘Wild Wild West’. This production was meant to be another massive summer hit following his success in ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’. It featured an ensemble cast including Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh under the direction of Barry Sonnenfeld. However the finished product did not meet the actor’s internal standards for quality filmmaking.

Smith has been very candid about how this project sits within his extensive filmography. He once referred to the movie as a “thorn in my side” when discussing his past work. The actor admits that his motivations for taking the role were not entirely based on the script. He was more focused on maintaining his status as the most bankable star in the industry.

At the time Smith was offered the role of Neo in ‘The Matrix’ which he ultimately turned down. He decided to pursue ‘Wild Wild West’ instead because he felt it was a safer bet for commercial success. Looking back on that era he realized that his ego was driving his professional decisions. He noted that “I was at a point where I was wanting to win and be the biggest movie star.”

This drive for popularity led him to prioritize potential hits over innovative storytelling. Smith has confessed that his focus shifted away from the art of acting during the late nineties. He wanted to see his name at the top of the charts regardless of the film’s artistic merit. He explained that “I made some choices that were less about the artistry and more about the win.”

‘Wild Wild West’ was based on a classic television series and had a massive budget for its time. It featured a giant mechanical spider and elaborate sets that were supposed to dazzle audiences. While it did perform reasonably well at the box office it was panned by critics and fans alike. The film became a symbol of big budget excess without a cohesive narrative.

Smith feels that the project lacked the heart found in his other successful collaborations. He has often praised his co star Kevin Kline for his talent and professionalism on set. Yet even a strong cast could not save the film from its structural and tonal issues. The actor eventually reached a point where he had to be honest about the quality of the work.

Regarding the final result of the western epic Smith was blunt about his personal feelings. He stated quite clearly that “I’m not proud of it.” This admission came years after the film’s release once he had time to analyze his career path. He realized that the audience could tell when a performer was not fully invested in the story.

Following the disappointment of ‘Wild Wild West’ the actor began to change his approach to selecting scripts. He started looking for deeper characters and stories that offered more than just spectacle. This shift eventually led to more critically acclaimed roles in films like ‘Ali’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. He learned that being a movie star required more than just high earnings.

In recent years Will Smith has continued to be a major force in the entertainment industry. He recently starred in ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ which proved that he still has significant drawing power. That film was a major hit and reunited him with Martin Lawrence for another high octane adventure. He has also been involved in more dramatic fare like ‘Emancipation’ which focused on historical themes.

There are several highly anticipated projects on the horizon for the veteran actor. He is expected to return for a sequel to ‘I Am Legend’ alongside Michael B. Jordan. Fans are curious to see how the story will continue given the different endings of the original movie. He is also attached to an action thriller titled ‘Fast and Loose’ which has generated considerable buzz.

Beyond his acting roles Smith remains a significant producer through his company Westbrook Inc. He has influenced many different areas of media including social content and television production. His journey from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ to an Academy Award winner remains an inspiration to many. He continues to balance massive blockbusters with more intimate character studies.

Smith also remains a popular figure on social media where he shares insights into his life and career. He often uses these platforms to connect with fans and discuss his past experiences in Hollywood. His willingness to admit to his failures is part of what makes him relatable to a global audience. He understands that even the biggest stars make mistakes along the way.

The legacy of Will Smith is defined by both his incredible highs and his occasional missteps. While ‘Wild Wild West’ may be a sore spot it served as a valuable lesson for his future. He remains one of the few actors who can consistently command the attention of the entire world. His career is a testament to the power of persistence and self reflection in a demanding industry.

Tell us which Will Smith movie you think is his best or worst in the comments.