US EditionWill Smith Reveals He Rejected Christopher Nolan's Inception: 'I Don't Think I've Ever Even Said It Publicly Before'
- Will Smith revealed in a 2025 radio interview that he turned down the lead role in Christopher Nolan's 2010 film Inception because he didn't understand the plot.
- Nolan first offered the role to Brad Pitt, who did not commit, before approaching Smith and then eventually casting Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Smith also passed on other major sci-fi roles, including Neo in The Matrix and Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, often disagreeing with the directors' visions.
- Inception grossed $839 million worldwide and became one of Nolan’s most acclaimed films, with DiCaprio leading its ensemble cast.
- Smith expressed regret about rejecting iconic roles but emphasized that he believes everything happens for a reason and this was his first public explanation.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Will Smith Reveals His Reason For Turning Down Role In 'Inception'—And Fans Are Stunned
We all have the one that got away, whether it was a potential partner, a tempting job offer, or a too-good-to-be-true investment opportunity that actually panned out—for everyone else.For actor Will Smith, there were three of those, and they were all life-changing movie roles he didn't take.Smith has spoken publicly about turning down Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. He told GQ that he “didn’t want to make a slavery film about vengeance,” s…
Filmed between the second and third part of his Batman trilogy, The Origin (2010) was a resounding success in Christopher Nolan's career. He achieved critical praises, became the second-highest film of his career (until that time) and for the first time a production with his rubric achieved a nomination for Best Film in the Oscars. That feature film could have been quite different. Will Smith, whose most recent premiere is Bad Boys: Until Death …
The actor revealed for the first time he was about to star in “Inception”
Will Smith reveals he turned down role in 'Inception' because he 'didn't get it'
"I've never said that out loud," the Oscar winner admits — for good reason.Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Melissa Moseley/Warner Bros. Will Smith; Leonardo DiCaprio in "Inception"Will Smith may have an Oscar-winning career, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a few regrets when it comes to his filmography.During a recent interview with radio station Kiss Xtra, the King Richard star revealed two movie roles he's turned down that he's still "hurt" by …
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