Why Will Smith said no to Inception, one of Christopher Nolan's biggest films

Filmmaker Christopher Nolan's sci-fi blockbuster 'Inception' became one of his most acclaimed films, with Leonardo DiCaprio delivering a memorable performance as Dom Cobb. But before DiCaprio took the role, the part was offered to 'The Pursuit of Happyness' actor Will Smith, who turned it down.Nolan first approached Smith for the role of Cobb in the film, but the actor declined, stating that he didn't understand the film.advertisementIn a conversation with UK radio station, KISS, Oscar-winning actor Will Smith revealed that acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, known for 'Oppenheimer', 'The Dark Knight', and 'Interstellar,' originally approached him to star in 'Inception'. The film ultimately went on to become a blockbuster in 2010 with Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead.
When asked by the host if the actor turned down 'Matrix', Smith laughed and said, "That was one of my beautiful scars."'I don't think I've ever said it publicly, but I am going to say it because we are opening up to one another. Chris Nolan brought me 'Inception' first and I didn't get it. I've never said that out loud. Now that I think about it, it's those movies that go into those alternate realities they don't pitch well. But I am hurt by those, too,' he added.advertisementAccording to reports, Nolan also offered the script to Brad Pitt and "requested a response within 48 hours". When the 'Seven' star didn't commit, Nolan moved on to Will Smith. After Smith's rejection, the director moved on to 'Titanic' star Leonardo DiCaprio, which ended up as one of his biggest hit movies.During the radio interview, Smith admitted that he regrets passing on the films, which have become iconic, saying, 'It hurts too bad to talk about.'Back in 2019, Smith shared a YouTube video explaining why he turned down the lead role of Neo in 'The Matrix'. He admitted that he wasn't able to connect to the Wachowski siblings' pitch. The actor also turned down Quentin Tarantino's 'Django Unchained'. The film was initially offered to him before ultimately going to Jamie Foxx, known for his roles in 'Baby Driver' and 'The Amazing Spider-man 2'.When asked why he turned down Tarantino's film, Smith told GQ magazine that he 'didn't want to make a slavery film about vengeance,' so he turned the filmmaker down.Will Smith has several upcoming movies, including 'I Am Legend 2' and 'After Earth 2', both slated for release in 2025. There are also rumours and concept trailers circulating about a potential 'Black Panther 3' and 'Alien VS Predator 3' featuring Smith.Must Watch

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