Netflix and Sony Hold Development on Their Will Smith Projects, the Actor Resigns From the Academy

Netflix has put on hold 'Fast and Loose', starring Will Smith

Less than a week after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the stage of the Dolby Theater, two of his movies have been silently put on the backburner: Fast and Loose and Bad Boys 4.

 

According to a story that The Hollywood Reporter posted over the weekend, Netflix has put their upcoming project Fast and Loose on ice in the aftermath of the most-talked-about moment of the year. Coincidentally, this movie also lost its director a week before the Oscars, as David Leitch, who was in negotiations to direct, opted to helm The Fall Guy for Universal Pictures instead. That movie stars Ryan Gosling and will begin principal photography in August.

 

From THR:

 

“‘Fast and Loose’ was to tell the story of a crime boss who loses his memory after an attack. Piecing together clues, he discovers that he has led a double identity as a wealthy kingpin and a broke CIA agent. It appears that Netflix was understandably wary of moving forward. It is unclear whether it will try to make the project with another star and director.”

 

Whether or not Netflix goes back to it once the controversy around Smith wears out, maybe even looking for another actor, we don’t know. But that is not the only project starring the most recent Best Actor recipient that a studio is reconsidering. Per the Heat Vision newsletter, also from The Hollywood Reporter, Smith received 40 pages of a script for Bad Boys 4 right before the Oscars. After the incident at the ceremony, though, Sony has paused development on the project. THR expects other projects the actor is currently attached to, and which are in pre-production, to be paused as well.

 

The Oscars: Will Smith will win for King Richard

 

Right now, Apple TV+ holds the key to his immediate future as an actor. Antoine Fuqua wrapped production on Emancipation, which features Will Smith playing a slave, a few months ago. The streamer, which is financing and distributing the project, was expected to debut it later this year and have an awards push for next season. It is unclear whether they will move forward or delay it indefinitely.

 

For now, pending the release of the Academy’s thorough investigation of the incident, Smith opted to resign as a member of the Academy. He issued the following statement on Friday:

 

“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.

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

 

The Academy accepted his letter, with president David Rubin saying:

 

“We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.”

 

For now, Smith’s resignation only means that he cannot vote in upcoming Oscar ceremonies. He can still be nominated, attend future ceremonies, and keep his statue. All of this could change should the Board of Governors of the Academy decide to take action after their investigation.