
There are few constants in life: taxes, pigeons in public parks, and Will Smith
returning to the screen with irresistible charm. After a two-year breather since Emancipation
(2022), where he brooded like a haunted philosopher with abs, Smith has stormed back in Bad Boys: Ride or Die
(2024), a film that proves age is merely a number when you are outrunning explosions. Smith remains as iconic as ever, juggling comedy, action, and charisma like it is just another Tuesday.
Thankfully, the legend’s cinematic schedule is not as empty as our group chat replies, as he has more than a few hits in the making.
1. I Am Legend 2
After surviving mutant monsters and box office expectations, Will Smith returns as Dr. Robert Neville in I Am Legend 2.
This sequel opts to follow the alternate ending of the original film (yes, the one where he does not heroically explode). Joining Smith is the ever-dashing Michael B. Jordan in an undisclosed role, likely doing things that involve intense staring and mid-apocalypse biceps. The script is in development, and while filming has not begun, anticipation levels are mutating nicely.
‘I AM LEGEND 2’, starring Michael B. Jordan and Will Smith, will be set decades after the original film.
The alternate ending for the original film will be canon in the sequel.
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/mDhOD3W7D6
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 15, 2023
Warner Bros. has not gifted the world a release date yet, because why rush the end of the world again? The movie will presumably explore the post-post-apocalyptic world with more science, more survival, and significantly fewer mannequins.
2. Fast and Loose
Will Smith stars in Netflix’s Fast and Loose
, which, contrary to what its name indicates, is actually an action-thriller where he plays a man suffering from amnesia who discovers he has been living a double life because remembering one identity is clearly too basic. Originally attached to director David Leitch, the project is now in the directorial hands of Michael Bay. The film has been paused indefinitely, partly due to the 2022 Oscars fallout, an event Will Smith took a dig at in his latest album
, and partly due to Smith’s busy comeback schedule.
The film has no confirmed cast or date, it exists as a metaphysical concept. In other words, it is the Schrödinger’s cat of movie projects. If it ever materializes, it might be the comeback Will Smith needs or the headache the studio deserves. Until then, we wait with bated breath and diminishing hope.
3. Resistor
Will Smith is slated to lead Resistor
, a mysterious science fiction project that remains more secretive than Area 51. Officially announced in 2022, the project is based on a novel, Influx by Daniel Suarez, and reportedly features themes of suppressed technology and shadow governments. Smith would likely play a brilliant physicist trying to outwit a shadowy organisation suppressing innovation.
Will Smith will star in a new sci-fi thriller ‘RESISTOR’ for Sony.
The film follows the discovery of a device that can reflect gravity, but those who discover it are thrown into prison after they refuse to suppress the truth of its discovery.
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/Q5CW4msNzb
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 18, 2024
Through this film, Will Smith collaborates with Sony Pictures yet again after the success of Bad Boys: Ride of Die
. Despite the radio silence, the film is alive in development hell, sipping lukewarm coffee and waiting for Hollywood momentum. No release date has been announced, which may be for the best—Smith deserves a vehicle that will not fry its own circuits. If it ever lifts off, Resistor
could blend intellect and spectacle, or it could remain a cautionary tale about Hollywood’s fear of finished scripts.
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Will Smith and Kevin Hart are booked to star in a remake of Planes, Trains and Automobiles,
because apparently someone at the Paramount studio decided the chaos of the movie needed more charisma. This reimagining of the 1987 classic will attempt to bottle that same mismatched-travelers magic, only now with GPS, ride-shares, and hopefully fewer airport delays. The script is reportedly being worked on by The First Wives Club
‘s Ayesha Carr, but there are yet to be updates on filming or release.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles was released 36 years ago today. ✈️🚊🚗 pic.twitter.com/xsXoXKvZvG
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) November 26, 2023
The dynamic duo of Will Smith and Kevin Hart could elevate the material, or derail it entirely into meme territory. Either way, we expect loud shirts, loud arguments, and louder box office results. No director or supporting cast has been announced, but the sheer idea of Will Smith losing luggage while Kevin Hart screams into the void is oddly comforting. If this project ever reaches the station, it will definitely be one gleeful ride.
5. Brilliance
Brilliance
is an adaptation of Marcus Sakey’s best-selling novel, starring Will Smith as a federal agent in a world where a percentage of the population is born with extraordinary cognitive abilities. Think X-Men but with suits and government funding. The film has been in development for several years, and as of 2023, Legendary Entertainment announced that Akiva Goldsman was on board to produce. Still no director or release date, though.
Will Smith’s role involves tracking down one particularly dangerous ‘Brilliants’, which we assume will involve chases, moral dilemmas, and some very serious squinting. Production updates have been rare, but the source material is strong enough to warrant cautious optimism. If all goes well, this could be a cerebral sci-fi hit, or at least a pretty entertaining TED Talk in disguise.
6. The Council
Will Smith steps into the perfectly tailored shoes of Nicky Barnes, Harlem’s most famous crime boss, not named after a disco track, in The Council
. This Netflix drama will reunite Smith with Concussion
screenwriter Peter Landesman, which means audiences can expect gritty crime, nuanced performance, and possibly another intense monologue delivered while dramatically removing sunglasses. The film is based on the true story of a 1970s crime syndicate that basically ran Harlem like it was their personal corner office.
EXCITING NEWS Y’ALL!
Will Smith is set to produce and star as Nicky Barnes in “THE COUNCIL” – the never-before-told story of the Harlem-based crime syndicate that set out to create Black equity and self-sufficiency during the 1970s and early 80s. pic.twitter.com/iVt6C0cckx
— Strong Black Lead is watching Forever (@strongblacklead) September 24, 2019
There is no release date yet, because good organized crime takes time, especially if it involves casting meetings and wig testing. Will Smith’s return to dramatic roles with real-life complexity could remind people he is not just an action star or an awards show footnote. If The Council
plays its cards right, it might even land Netflix another round of Emmy bragging rights and vintage Cadillacs.
7. Sugar Bandits
Will Smith is not starring in Sugar Bandits,
although he was before; he is producing it now, which means expect explosive storylines and at least one emotionally charged training montage, even if he is nowhere on screen. Based on Chuck Hogan’s novel, the plot follows a group of vigilantes robbing dr– dealers, presumably while delivering justice and quippy one-liners. It is being pitched as a potential franchise, because who wants one movie when you can have six and a spinoff miniseries?
Casting has not been announced, filming has not started, and release dates are as elusive as a cartel accountant. Still, Will Smith’s involvement lends credibility and at least a touch of popcorn prestige. If all goes well, Sugar Bandits
could become the thinking person’s shootout.
8. Aladdin 2
Aladdin 2
is happening, a happy news for all fans of the live action. Will Smith will return as the Genie, in what will presumably involve the latest advances in motion capture, CGI glitter, and the inexplicable decision to make ancient folklore feel like a Las Vegas residency. Guy Ritchie is back to direct, and two screenwriters are involved, which means every character may now speak exclusively in exposition.
Um wow I can’t believe I’m saying this but #Aladdin is fun! Lavish sets and costumes, an incredible Alan Menken score. Naomi Scott is MAGNIFICENT and Will Smith makes The Genie his own. Adds nice depth to the OG story takes some detours & while hit or miss at times is enjoyable. pic.twitter.com/38R7NucB0e
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) May 19, 2019
Production updates are as rare as fresh plot ideas, but we can assume Agrabah will once again be rendered in 4K and magic. If the film arrives in the next decade, it might dazzle with colors and chaos. Or it might just be an expensive wish for box office gold that evaporates in the midday sun.
9. Will Smith’s other upcoming productions
Will Smith may be spacing out his on-screen appearances, but off-screen, the man is producing like a one-man studio lot. Pole to Pole
(Disney+/NatGeo) will feature Smith traversing the planet from the North to South Pole, yes, literally, and hopefully dodging frostbite while dropping poetic narration. Then there is Onyeka
and the Academy of the Sun
, based on Tọlá Okogwu’s Afrofuturist YA novel, where Smith brings superhero school vibes with Nigerian roots.
Netflix is partnering with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon to produce the film adaptation of “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.” pic.twitter.com/n8LXOTntXn
— Strong Black Lead is watching Forever (@strongblacklead) February 16, 2022
Also on the docket: Da Understudy
, an Amazon thriller about an actor willing to kill for a lead role. Someone get the Oscars committee a helmet. Whether you like nature docs, magic powers, or murdery method acting, Smith’s producing as well as acting slate is ready to cover it all like a pop-culture buffet.
Read More: Will Smith Opens Up About His Biggest “error and misjudgment”, and No It Is Not the Oscar Slapgate
Which of these upcoming Will Smith movies are you excited for the most? Drop your picks down below!