Netflix is reportedly ready to resume negotiations on the planned biopic about the 'King Richard' actor after the streamer halted the project following his controversial behavior at the Academy Awards.
- August 20, 2022
AceShowbiz - Will Smith's planned biopic is reportedly back in the pipeline. Insiders said Netflix, which halted talks over a film of the actor's life in the wake of his Oscars slap scandal, are reportedly looking to reopen stalled negotiations.
A source told The Sun on Friday night, August 19, "Will was left out in the cold by Netflix and Apple+ in the wake of the slap. He has since apologized and stepped out of the spotlight for a lengthy period. With this in mind it is broadly agreed enough time has passed to let the dust settle. It has been made clear discussions can be started again about a biopic which Netflix were interested in. Arguably, the slap, and the fallout, are pivotal moments in Will's life and will become part of the storyline of his life. Netflix wants to be part of those conversations and Will's team have no doubt Apple will follow suit."
Will, 53, was earlier this month seen in public for the first time since he whacked comedian Chris Rock, 57, at this year's Oscars for comparing his 50-year-old wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaven head to GI Jane's buzzcut. He stormed the stage to deliver the slap, before tearfully picking up the best actor award for his role in "King Richard", about the father of tennis icons Serena Williams and Venus Williams.
Will lay low for weeks in the wake of the slap and was said to have travelled to India for a spiritual retreat. He then issued an apology via video online last month and said he was "deeply remorseful." Will groveled, "I've reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he's not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you, Chris, 'I apologize to you'. My behavior was unacceptable and I'm here whenever you are ready to talk."
