Mike Peterson
Apple TV+ and Netflix have pulled out of the bidding war on the Will Smith biopic after the actor slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Apple was among several companies fighting to secure rights to a film about Smith's life based on his best-selling autobiography published in 2021. However, The Sun reports that Apple has removed its bid for the film.
"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.
Reportedly, working with Smith has become a "risky business" following the controversy surrounding the actor's slap. The controversy started when Smith stormed onto the stage at the Oscars and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
At the Oscars, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his part in "King Richard," beating out Denzel Washington's portrayal of the titular character in Apple TV+ film "The Tragedy of Macbeth."
After seemingly defending his actions during his Oscar acceptance speech, Smith later apologized for his actions and resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Smith is currently slated to star in a new original film for Apple TV+ called "Emancipation." However, production was halted on the film because of Covid-19. Additionally, Apple was among several companies sued for alleged sexual harassment that took place during the movie's making.
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49 Comments
It will be a LONG time - if ever - for Will Smith to ever be relevant again in Hollywood. Proof that all his words of years past were empty.
So, I agree that it was not a good look for Will Smith what happened that night of the awards. But, at the same time we’re talking about a guys wife and she is dealing with some medical issue is what I’ve heard. Really don’t spend time following actors that much as my own time is more valuable, but that is the info on this I believe. There is a line there and I understand that he reacted. If given more time to think about it in a non public place, maybe that would have been different. Will apologized for his part in what happened. I’m not sure I agree with him stepping down or resigning. It’s at the point today where men can no longer be men, everything has to be an act or show in and of itself and be politically correct. I think The apology is enough and people and big companies like Apple and Netflix need to accept that.
A pity if true IMO.
He made a mistake. He didn't help himself much after that mistake with the Vanity Fair celebrations but it remains a mistake. It's OK to say he should have known better and he should shoulder the blame for his actions etc. Of course he should. And IMO he should apologise to Rock in person especially if Rock was unaware of his wife's condition. Hopefully it's a one off and should be seen as such. I give him the benefit of the doubt at this point.
If Apple and Netflix were bidding for what would be a biopic then this kind of 'politically correct' decision is unfortunate.
The film will get a release at some point anyway.
I believe that what he did was a very primitive and savage act. I believe that he could’ve handled the situation a lot better that slap in front of the world was a very poor decision. Perhaps he could sense that his wife was displeased and thought that he should solve the situation using a act of hurt towards another human. I hope that he will approach other situations using a more gentler method. He will now pay for this act by having services like Apple and Netflix show his content.