Will Smith competes with Idris Elba for role
By Alexandra Heilbron on June 2, 2011 | 26 Comments
Will Smith, who’s currently filming Men In Black III in New York City, reportedly as good as had the lead in Quentin Tarantino‘s next project, Django Unchained, but it seems that he now has some competition. The movie is about a freed slave who goes on a quest to find his wife — a slave belonging to a brutal plantation owner — and free her. Idris Elba, who can currently be seen on the big screen in Thor, began speculation that Smith may not get to play the part after all, when he tweeted, “Having one of the biggest meetings of my professional life today, meeting a very controversial director for a very controversial part.” When people wrote asking if he was referring to Django Unchained, he responded: “I wish I could tell you more but…in due time… On the plane to the destination of my fate… ok… a lil dramatic… destination of my life.”[poll=287]
Comments & Discussion
Similar Articles
Will Smith faces serious backlash after Oscars assault
March 30, 2022 | 35 Comments
More celebrities have spoken up about Will Smith’s assault on Chris Rock. The Academy has sent a letter saying that they will take ‘appropriate action.’
Quentin Tarantino refuses to give his mother a dime
August 11, 2021 | 40 Comments
When his mother became frustrated with young Quentin Tarantino for not paying attention in class, he refused to buy her anything once he was successful.
Oh please pick Idris for the role!! He’s a much better actor.
Men In Black 3 is his next movie, that tells you what kind of movies he belongs in. Don’t give it to Smith please.
Will Smith is a great actor, but I just can’t see him fitting the part in a Tarantino film.
Idris Elba has more talent in his little finger than Will Smith has in his whole body. It’s a no-brainer.
Germain I used to mirror your opinion of Will Smith but over the past few years he has done some excellent work.
Well, if you’re thinking of ALI, I’ll give you that one but please don’t say Bagger Vance or I Am Legend.
Ohhh and The Pursuit of Happynes was OK as well.
Dont get me wrong, Will is a great actor. But this role, I do not think would be right for him!
I do not think Will Smith has the structure to play the part of a slave looking for his wife. As to Idris has has the look of a slave and will play the part in excellent form. Will in other movies such as Men in Black 1 2 or 3 or Independence Day is as good as he can get maybe in other movies comedy or action etc….etc…..Go with Idris he’s the one for that part……..
I don’t doubt Idris Elba is a phenomenal actor, but… based on how many awards/nominations(prestigious or not) Will Smith has over Idris at this point in time (regardless of Mr.Smith’s arrival/luck/timing in the showbiz) I’d have to say Will Smith is the one with more talent. Six Degrees of Separation, Seven Pounds, The Pursuit of Happiness, and yes of course, Ali!
Gerry, you nailed what I was originally trying to say on the head.
I like Will, but you are not Tarantino material. Tarantino films work best with actors who don’t bring their ego to the set with them. Look at Inglorious Bastards, other than Brad Pitt most were not well known actors nor did the film suffer for not using certain big name “A List” actors/actresses. The thing with Tarantino is you check your ego and your past at the door; you let the work stand on its own. Smith does not have it…yes Ali was a great movie, but Ali in real life was very much like Smith, all about Ali.
I’ve read the script and Will would be excellent for this role. He would bring life to it. Elba is a great actor, but who seriously thinks Will can’t act? Come on, that’s just ridiculous. Both would be good for the part, but I think Smith should get it. He would fit the part very nicely.
C’mon, Tarantino movies can do great with actors who bring their own character. Look at Pulp Fiction. I think this would be a great twist for Will Smith. Don’t let the ‘Blockbusters’ fool you, Will Smith is talented.
Give it to Stringer Bell!
Will can pull it off. I was very impressed with seven pounds and happiness. As with Jackie Brown, Q can make things work with anyone with a great script. He has the kind of talent to bring the best out of an actor. I say give it to him!
Smith is not an actor…he is a pretty face.
will smith rocks…he was awesome in pursuit of happyness, seven pounds and Ali…the man can act…but so can Idris….but there’s no guarantee they are even up for the same role. Idris didn’t even confirm they were…But i think both would be great for the role.
How can some of you say Will Smith is not an amazing actor and keep a straight face. Im Sorry, are you feeling okay? Have you even seen his body of work? How ignorant can people be.
I Am Legend, Ali, Seven Pounds, Pursuit Of Happiness, enemy of the state. Those are just a few where he was phenomenal. Wow.
If you don’t approve of him for the role, that’s fine. But to say he is a bad actor is such a unintelligent comment. Can you act? Do you even held a full length multi-million dollar feature film on your shoulders like he did with I Am Legend and Ali?
No, you haven’t. Mr. Smith has proven his grounds people. There not up for debate.
Anyone remember a little film called Pulp Fiction? Travolta was a bet on the part of the casting crew. And look what happened! Will Smith has the talent, but has never chosen to utilize it in roles like Django Unchained. All the examples given are prime ones. Many actors have recently stepped out of their type casting and have proven to be amazing in a new genre. Robert De Niro was not always thought to be a comedic actor, now he’s wearing dresses (Stardust) and making us laugh.
Just because he hasn’t done many serious parts, many hard hitting parts, does not mean he is not capable.
Elba belongs in a Tarantino pic. He seems like he would just fit. When I watch Will Smith I can’t take him 100% seriously. But I’m a parent and maybe I just don’t understand.
I’m with Jessica. I think they would both be a good choice; however, if I absolutely had to choose, I do see Idris more in tthe role than Will and I love everything about Will Smith. I think I would watch it regardless of which one were in it. Love them both.
Love Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther). Will Smith was very good in Pursuit of Happyness and 7 Pounds, but I think he has a big ego. I would choose Elba just because I think he would work well with Tarantino.
@Chris, Arnold Shwarzeneger has many movie that made over 100 millions, would you say he’s a good actor? Successful movies does not make an actor good. Will Smith has a few good roles, I agree that Pursuit of Hapiness and Ali were his better role. There’s just something about him that I don’t like and he’s missing a certain something to be up there with the best.
Idris should take this role. Will Smith sucks, I hope he doesn’t get work.
Either actor has the chops to play the role. I think Idris, however, has the look that is more appropriate. Don’t underestimate Will, there’s a lot there if you pay attention. Idris’ body type nails this role though.
Will has had his moment in film. He now has his children running the train. I think it’s time for him to let another great actor, have his opportunity to shine in what sounds like a really good film. Will has done films of this nature already…he needs to look for a part that will broaden his talents..not repeat the one’s he has already shared.
Idris..I’m with you baby!! Take the role and do wonders with it.