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Key Points

Will Smith admits he didn’t take on 'Inception' because he couldn’t follow its complex storyline. He also rejected 'The Matrix' after struggling with the Wachowskis’ unconventional pitch. Smith turned down 'Django Unchained' as he disagreed with its vengeful narrative direction. The actor recently released his first solo music project in two decades.

Key Points: Will Smith Rejected Inception Role After Failing to Grasp Plot

  • Smith rejected 'Inception' for not understanding its plot
  • DiCaprio later starred in the blockbuster
  • Also turned down 'The Matrix' over Wachowskis' pitch
  • Passed on 'Django Unchained' due to creative differences
3 min read

Chris Nolan brought me 'Inception' first: Will Smith reveals reason for rejecting film

Will Smith reveals he turned down Christopher Nolan’s 'Inception' and 'The Matrix' due to confusion over their plots, while DiCaprio went on to star in the hit.

"Chris Nolan brought me 'Inception' first, and I didn’t get it. I’ve never said that out loud. – Will Smith"

Washington DC, June 16

If you think Will Smith's biggest regrets include turning down 'The Matrix' and 'Django Unchained', then here is a shocker for you. The actor was offered Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' first, reported Variety.

In a recent interview with radio station Kiss Xtra, as quoted by Variety, actor Will Smith revealed that he turned down the lead role in the blockbuster film 'Inception' because he didn't understand the plot.

After Smith's rejection, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio headlined the film and ended up with one of his biggest hits.

"I don't think I've ever said it publicly, but I am going to say it because we are opening up to one another. Chris Nolan brought me 'Inception' first, and I didn't get it. I've never said that out loud. Now that I think about it, it's those movies that go into those alternate realities... they don't pitch well. But I am hurt by those, too," said Will Smith at Kiss Xtra podcast as quoted by Variety.

As per the outlet, Smith also rejected 'The Matrix' because he didn't connect to the Wachowski siblings movie pitch, which he said was more about their intended directing style than the actual story.

Smith posted a YouTube video in 2019 in which the actor retold the pitch that was narrated to him by the 'Matrix' makers.

"We're thinking like... imagine you're in a fight. You, like, jump. Imagine if you could stop jumping in the middle of the jump. But then, people could see around you 360 degrees while you stop jumping. We're going to invent these cameras, and then people can see the whole jump when you stop in the middle of the jump," said Will Smith as quoted by Variety.

As for 'Django Unchained', which is another painful addition to the actor's rejected movie list, Smith said that he turned down the movie because he didn't want to "make a slavery film about vengeance."

"It was about the creative direction of the story. To me, it's as perfect a story as you could ever want: a guy that learns how to kill to retrieve his wife that has been taken as a slave. That idea is perfect. And it was just that Quentin and I couldn't see [eye to eye]. I wanted to make that movie so badly, but I felt the only way was, it had to be a love story, not a vengeance story," said Will Smith as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Meanwhile, Will Smith recently released his first full-length solo music project in 20 years. It was titled 'Based on a True Story'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Wow, Will Smith rejected not one but three iconic films! 😲 While I respect his creative choices, it's fascinating how different Hollywood might've looked if he'd said yes. Inception with Will Smith would've been interesting, but Leo absolutely killed that role. #NoRegrets
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Priya M.
As an Indian movie buff, I'm glad things turned out this way. The Matrix with Will Smith would've been too mainstream. Keanu Reeves brought that perfect philosophical depth to Neo. Sometimes rejections work out for the best! ✨
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Amit S.
Interesting how Will Smith didn't understand Inception's plot. Many Indian audiences also found it confusing at first watch! Maybe Nolan should've explained it with some masala movie references 😆 Jokes aside, it's refreshing to see stars admit their mistakes.
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Sunita R.
His reasoning for Django Unchained makes sense though. Indian cinema also struggles with balancing historical trauma and entertainment. Maybe there's room for both versions - the love story he wanted and Tarantino's vision.
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Vikram J.
Can't blame him for not getting The Matrix pitch - even after watching the film 3 times, my chacha still asks me why they're dodging bullets in slow motion! Hollywood concepts can be tough to grasp in one meeting.
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Neha P.
Respect to Will for being honest about these rejections. In Bollywood, stars rarely admit to missed opportunities. Shows maturity to acknowledge that sometimes others were better suited for certain roles. 👏

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