It’s do-or-die time for showbiz pariah Will Smith, sources say — as he desperately tries to resuscitate his battered Hollywood career with a humongous new deal.
Now sources tell Globe he’s working himself and his staff into a frenzy as he struggles to come back after slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars put him in a Tinseltown time-out.
Getty Images
Thanks to a new mega-money deal with production giant Paramount, his company Westbrook will roll out a slew of big-budget films — with none other than 57-year-old Will in starring roles, per Deadline.
“Will is delighted he’s got this opportunity to redeem himself. It’s the break he’s been praying for and he’s hell-bent on not screwing it up!” an insider reveals.
“He’s cracking the whip on everyone around him and if people aren’t willing to match his intensity, they’ll get their marching papers in no time. Will is being absolutely ruthless and saying that’s the only way this is going to work.”
Lisa OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA
As readers know, Will and his spouse of 26 years, Jada Pinkett Smith, 54, have been living separate lives for years but she remains actively involved in his production company.
Adds the insider, “Even though Jada has a meaningful financial stake in Will’s studio, it’s becoming a one-man show in terms of its mission.”
“Make no mistake, the purpose of this company is to make blockbuster movies that star Will.”
Getty Images
After breaking out with Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will amassed a whopping $350 million fortune with hits that included Men in Black, Independence Day, the Bad Boys franchise and I, Robot.
“Going forward, Will is looking for action comedies, thrillers and sci-fi spectacles — the kind of films that made him a superstar in the first place,” adds the insider.
David Ellison. Getty Images
“The whole ‘slap’ incident feels like ancient history, but Will is still pressuring everybody around him to impress Paramount’s new owner, David Ellison, who’s been a Will Smith fan since grade school.”
“David has made a huge bet on Will, and it’s time for Will and his team to deliver. Failure is not an option.”
This story Will Smith Grateful For an ‘Opportunity to Redeem Himself’ With New Paramount Deal After Oscars Slap first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.