Shock after the now-infamous Oscars slap has fizzled

Will Smith announces landing his first Disney film since the slap

     Several theories have been proposed, such as Smith being angered by a joke made by Rock in his opening monologue or being provoked by an insult he felt was directed towards him or his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Regardless of the true cause, the Oscars slap has become a topic of conversation among viewers and critics alike and has become a part of Smith’s legacy.” [i]

     As it turns out, Chris Rock gets slapped by Will Smith for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. After Will Smith failed to receive a nomination for the Academy Awards, he was caught on camera giving a lighthearted slap to the face of a fellow nominee, Sean Penn. [i]

     Immediately after the incident, replays of Chris Rock’s stunned reaction to the slap and a flurry of memes flooded the internet, with many people jokingly referring to the incident as the “Will Smith slap.” Jada Pinkett Smith, Will’s wife, even commented on the incident, expressing her shock and amusement. The internet quickly latched onto the incident, with many people sharing their thoughts and opinions on the matter. [i]

     In March of 2022, a survey was conducted of adults, and the results showed that only 50% had a favorable opinion of actor Will Smith, which was a significant decrease from the 80% of adults who had a favorable opinion of him in 2020. [ii]

     This decline in approval did not seem to affect the esteem in which Eddie Murphy held Smith, as evidenced by the reference to the notorious slap during Murphy’s acceptance speech at the Golden Globes. The survey results suggest that, despite the decline in approval, Smith is still held in high regard by the public. [ii]

Moving forward from the Will Smith, Chris Rock Oscars slap

     Although time is said to heal all wounds, it certainly appears not to have mended the rift between Chris Rock and Will Smith. Will Smith went so far as to post a YouTube video during which he apologized for striking Chris Rock during the ceremony’s live broadcast. In the video, Smith expressed remorse for his actions, saying “I’m sorry Chris, I’m sorry to everyone I offended and everyone that feels disrespected.” [iii]

     Even though Will Smith apologized for slapping Chris Rock, Smith expressed that Chris Rock has not yet been “ready to talk,” or react to Will Smith’s apology. Smith said that he hopes that Rock will respond and “find it in his heart to accept [his] apology.” Smith concluded the video by saying “I love you, I’m sorry,” and asked viewers to forgive him for his mistake. [iii]

    Will Smith was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role at the 2021 Academy Awards for his role as Richard Williams in the biographical sports drama film King Richard. Smith also won the BAFTA Award for Best Leading Actor for this same performance, making him the first actor to win both awards for the same performance. [iii]

     Smith’s portrayal of the father of tennis champions Venus and Serene Williams was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. King Richard was Smith’s first major film role in several years, and he received critical acclaim for his performance. Smith’s win at the Academy Awards was seen as a major achievement, as he was up against other formidable contenders such as Riz Ahmed and Chadwick Boseman. [iii]

     In 2008, Will Smith won the Best Actor Saturn Award for his role in the post-apocalyptic horror-thriller film I Am Legend. The award was presented to Smith by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Will Smith is also known for winning the BET Award’s Best Actor for both the superhero action-comedy Hancock in 2008 and the drama Seven Pounds in 2009. [iv]

     The BET Awards are presented by Black Entertainment Television (BET) to recognize outstanding achievements in music, television, film, and sports. Both awards demonstrate the wide range of Smith’s acting abilities and the appreciation he has received for his outstanding performances. [iv]

     Seven Pounds is a 2008 drama film that follows the story of a man with a fateful secret. His journey of redemption leads him to make a life-changing decision to help seven strangers. During his quest to make amends, this man discovers how far his actions can take him in his own life and how much his choices can affect the lives of those around him. iv]

     In the end, Seven Pounds proves to be an extraordinary story of redemption and understanding that ultimately changes the lives of everyone it touches. [v]

     Seven Pounds is a powerful and emotional drama that will leave no one with a dry eye. This critically acclaimed film garnered seven nominations at various awards shows, including four wins. [v]

     Will Smith, who starred in the film, earned an Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance. The film also won awards for Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction. Seven Pounds is a must-see for any fan of drama and the extraordinary performances it contains. [v]

The new Will Smith movie announced is a Disney sequel

     Now, as controversy from the “Will Smith slap” has died down, Smith reports that he will be returning to the role of Genie in the upcoming Aladdin 2. Smith first debuted as the oversized, unmistakably blue supernatural being in 2019. Aladdin was a live-action adaptation of the 1992s animated Aladdin. Smith said in September 2022 that “Aladdin passed Independence Day as the highest-grossing film of [his] entire career.” [v]

     As for the upcoming Disney sequel, according to Mena Massoud, who starred as the film’s hero, Aladdin, the film is “not going to be based off [sic] the animated version. Massoud dropped hints recently regarding the plot line of the impending sequel. This is going to be a new original story.” The first film banked over a billion dollars worldwide. [v]

     Four-time Grammy-award-winning artist Will Smith recently announced that he would be reprising one of his former characters in an upcoming Disney sequel. This announcement is a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back after difficult circumstances. [i]

     Will Smith has showcased his talent and versatility over the years, and this new sequel will be an excellent opportunity for him to show off his ability to step back into a familiar role. Fans are already excited to see what he will bring to the table in this upcoming Disney sequel. [iv]

References

[i] Nadia Khomami, Video of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at Oscars tops YouTube chart (Dec. 1, 2022)

[ii] Mandalit Del Barco, Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock, this time in video (Jul. 29, 2022)

[iii] Richard Lugo, Cancel Will Smith – NO MORE WILL SMITH – Not Stand for Violence (Mar. 2022)

[iv] Jeremy Dick, Will Smith Reportedly Set for Return as the Genie in Aladdin 2 (Jan. 28, 2023)

[v] Id.