When Will Smith Almost Lost Independence Day Because He Was Black: The Director’s Battle Against Race Objection
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- July 17, 2023
Will Smith, one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, faced a significant obstacle early in his career when Fox Studios objected to his casting as the lead in Independence Day. Director Roland Emmerich, known for helming the sci-fi flick, had to fight against the production studio’s objection based on Smith’s race.
Smith’s Journey from Rapper to Leading Star
Starting his career as a rapper, Smith later gained fame for his lead role in the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Over time, he established himself as one of the industry’s leading stars.
Fox Studios’ Rejection and Emmerich’s Determination
In 1996, Will Smith received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Captain Steven Hiller in Independence Day. However, Emmerich faced resistance from Fox Studios when he insisted on casting Smith. The studio claimed that Smith was unproven and wouldn’t perform well in international markets.
The Real Reason: Race Objection
The film’s writer, Dean Devlin, revealed that the studio’s rejection of Smith’s casting was primarily based on his race. According to Devlin, Fox Studios expressed concern that casting a Black actor in the role would negatively impact the film’s foreign box office performance.
Emmerich’s Stand and Victory
Emmerich refused to accept the studio’s decision and staunchly defended Smith. He argued that since the movie revolved around space aliens, its foreign performance wouldn’t be affected by the lead actor’s race. Emmerich even threatened to take the movie to another studio if Fox didn’t agree to his casting choice. Eventually, Fox gave in, and Smith secured the lead role in Independence Day.
Box Office Success and Audience Reception
Independence Day went on to become a massive box office success, grossing a whopping $817.8 million worldwide. Will Smith’s character received acclaim from audiences, further solidifying his position as a talented and bankable actor.
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