Will Smith Rejected One of the Best Christopher Nolan’s Films & We Know Why
Christopher Nolan’s Inception is one of the most famous sci-fi films ever made. It had a wild, twisting story about dreams, time, and reality that left audiences amazed. With Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead, the movie became a huge hit, both with critics and at the box office. But here’s something many fans don’t know, DiCaprio wasn’t the first choice for the role. Nolan actually offered it to Will Smith.
Yes, that’s right. Will Smith had the chance to star in Inception, but he turned it down. During an interview with KISS XTRA, Smith shared the story and explained why he passed on the project.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said it publicly before. But I am going to say it now because we are opening up to one another… Chris Nolan brought me Inception first and I didn’t get it.”
At the time, Nolan’s concept for the movie wasn’t easy to understand. The idea of dreams inside dreams, the concept of “kicks,” and the way time worked in the story confused him.
“But I am hurt by those, too… It hurts too bad to talk about,” he added.
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.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 15, 2025
(🎥 Kiss Xtra) pic.twitter.com/jwcvZfiuMG
Even though it’s a tough memory, Smith admitted that turning down the movie is something that still stings. And he’s not the only actor who missed out.
Before DiCaprio got the role, Nolan had also gone to Brad Pitt. He didn’t accept either. According to reports, Nolan was moving fast and gave actors just 48 hours to decide.
When DiCaprio eventually said yes, the film came together and went on to make over $839 million worldwide, as reported by Box Office Mojo. It became one of Nolan’s biggest hits.
Smith has starred in many major movies like Men in Black, Bad Boys, Independence Day, and I Am Legend. Still, looking back, Inception could’ve been another big one on his list. It’s hard not to wonder what the movie might’ve been like with Smith in the lead role. It would’ve definitely had a different vibe.
Smith is nowadays focusing on music. Last year, he shared on Instagram that he was releasing his first solo song in almost 20 years. The song, called You Can Make It, came out the next day and featured Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir. Smith said music helped him through tough times and hoped it would help others too.
In July 2024, he signed a new music deal with a label called SLANG. Soon after, he dropped another song, Work of Art, with his son Jaden and rapper Russ. In December, he released TANTRUM with Joyner Lucas.
This year, Smith announced a new album called Based on a True Story. It came out on March 28, 2025, with 14 songs, five were already released, and nine were brand new. A few days before the album came out, Smith performed at the CONCACAF Nations League final at SoFi Stadium in California.
In the end, Smith just didn’t connect with the story at the time. And considering how complex Nolan’s films can be, it’s understandable. Maybe next time a director brings him a mind-bending sci-fi story, he’ll take a little more time to think about it.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!