Why Will Smith said no to Inception? Before Leonardo DiCaprio took over
- Will Smith, known for “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” admits to being offered the lead role in “Inception” by Christopher Nolan.
- The film, released in 2010, was a career-defining hit for Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Smith admitted that rejecting the role of Neo in “The Matrix” was his biggest regret.
Will Smith is opening up about “Inception”, revealing that Christopher Nolan initially offered him the lead role before it ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio. The film, released in 2010, became a career-defining hit for DiCaprio. Years later, the 56-year-old actor shared that he was third in line to play the skilled thief Dom Cobb, right behind Brad Pitt.
Will Smith regrets passing on Inception: ‘I’m Still Hurt’”
Will Smith, best known as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, has a history of turning down roles that later became iconic. He previously passed on “The Matrix”, which Keanu Reeves famously led, and also declined “Django Unchained”, eventually headlined by Jamie Foxx. Now, Will has revealed another major film that was originally offered to him—a blockbuster that could have added to his legacy.
While speaking on Kiss Xtra radio, Will Smith admitted, “I don’t think I’ve ever said it publicly, but I’m going to now because we’re opening up—Chris Nolan brought ‘Inception” to me first, and I didn’t get it.” He revealed that he turned down the role because he couldn’t grasp the concept. Explaining further, Will said he had never spoken about it before, but “those movies that go into alternate realities… they don’t pitch well.” He added honestly, “But I’m hurt by those, too.”
Previously, The Hollywood Reporter mentioned Will Smith’s rumored involvement in “Inception”, but withheld further details. Now, the actor has clarified that turning down the dream-sharing film wasn’t his biggest regret. Instead, he admitted that rejecting the role of Neo in “The Matrix” hurts too badly to talk about.”
Will Smith may have passed on several blockbuster opportunities, but his filmography remains impressive. Films like “The Pursuit of Happyness” continue to receive immense love and appreciation, even years after their release.
