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Will Smith Refused to Work With Jackie Chan in $244M Movie That Spanned Into $850M Fan-Favorite Franchise

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2 months ago

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Everyone knows Will Smith for his iconic role in the Men In Blackfranchise. The actor-rapper has also starred in the popular show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The 1990 sitcom was a strong start to his career as an actor, and since then his career has flourished.

Recently, Will Smith has been in the eye of the storm due to his very publically turbulent marriage with his wife Jada Smith. The Bel-Air star made headlines for slapping Chris Rock on stage when the latter made a joke about Jada Smith.

Will Smith
Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards nominees luncheon

The actor has been able to secure a global fanbase with his talent and personality. He has also received an Academy Award, Grammy, Golden Globe Award, and much more for his memorable performances.

Why Will Smith Turned Down Rush Hour Role

Rush Hour is an exciting 1998 action-comedy directed by Brett Ratner. The daredevil Jackie Chanteams up with comedic powerhouse Chris Tucker in the film.

Ratner claims Rush hour to be one of the first films where Jackie Chan acted without any dubbing. Director Brett Ratner said it added to the authenticity of his character, Lee. Originally, Will Smith was approached for the role of detective Carter in the franchise.

Rush Hour Chris Tucker Jackie Chan 1
Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan in Rush Hour

That’s right, Chris Tucker wasn’t Ratner’s first choice for the part. Other actors considered for the role included Dave Chappelle and Martin Lawrence. The Men In Black actor turned down the role, saying he didn’t want to be part of another buddy cop movie. And so, Chris Tucker came in and audiences missed the chance to watch what would have been hilarious chemistry between Jackie Chan and Will Smith. However, Tucker delivered an impressive performance and also improvised a good chunk of the scenes to create the masterpiece that is Rush Hour.

The movie was a huge success and a fan favorite. It made $850 million in box office collections. It went on to have a total of three installments starring the duo.

Some Major Roles Rejected by Will Smith

Apart from Rush Hour, Will Smith has rejected many roles in his career. Some of these include Superman Returns, Mr & Mrs. Smith, Django unchained, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.However, Smith rejected one role which he admitted to regret deeply, and that was Neo from The Matrix. The role that made was eventually offered to Keanu Reeves and he was the best fit for it.

The MatrixKeanu Reeves in The Matrix

The Matrix proved to be a revolutionary film in the action genre. When the script was presented to Smith, however, he was unimpressed and said that the narrative wasn’t strong enough. Smith had previously starred in Independence Day, which faced losses at the box office. AlthoughThe Matrix was well received, Smith didn’t wish to be a part of any more alien projects.

“I had done ‘Independence Day’ the year before, so I was like, ‘Eh, I’m not doing another alien movie, I don’t want to be the alien movie guy’. It’s a hard movie to pitch. You know: ‘Everybody lives inside a computer.’ It was only when I saw it that I really got it. They came in and made a pitch for ‘The Matrix’. As it turns out, they’re geniuses. But there’s a fine line in a pitch meeting between genius and what I experienced in the meeting.”

The role of Neo was later given to Keanu Reeves, who said that it impacted his life personally and creatively and that it was a wonderful, life-changing experience. The John Wick star went on to say that he was thankful to Will Smith for rejecting the role.

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New Report Says Jamie Foxx Is Learning To Walk Again Amid Mystery Health Issue. His Daughter Says He Was Playing Pickleball

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13 hours ago

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June 7, 2023

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It’s been nearly two months since Jamie Foxx’s family revealed that the Oscar-winning actor had been hospitalized due to a “medical complication” suffered on the set of his upcoming Netflix movie Back in Action, co-starring Cameron Diaz. Providing the most recent update on his health, his eldest daughter Corinne Foxx, had taken to social media to address the situation, saying her father was doing well and even engaging in activities like playing pickleball. Although in a new exclusive report, an insider claims the actor is currently undergoing intense physiotherapy to aid his recovery and regain his mobility.

While the true extent of the Soul star’s health condition remains shrouded in mystery, allegedly the 55-year-old actor has been facing mobility struggles since the incident on April 11 while filming in Atlanta. An insider told RadarOnline that Jamie is receiving treatment at one of the top physical rehabilitation centers specializing in stroke, brain, and spinal cord injuries. The insider told the publication:

“Jamie is receiving treatment at one of the top physical rehabilitation centers in the country. The clinic specializes in physical therapy programs to treat injuries or a physical condition that limits or prohibits the ability to walk or walk correctly. They teach people how to walk again at this particular clinic”.

In a post shared on Instagram in May, Corinne addressed the media coverage surrounding her father’s condition. She had shared a post from RapTV, which has since been deleted, claiming that the actor’s loved ones were “preparing for the worst.” However, she said these claims were erroneous and clarified that her dad had been out of the hospital for “weeks” and was recuperating. Now the unnamed source told RadarOnline that the actor’s condition is a bit more serious, continuing:

“Jamie would not be at this clinic if he was not impaired in some way as a result of whatever happened to him. But fans should rest assured: Jamie is in the best of care at this type of clinic”.

Foxx and his family have chosen to remain relatively silent about the nature of his recent health complications while appreciating the outpouring of love and support from fans and friends. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 actor briefly addressed the situation on social media on May 3, expressing his gratitude for the love he received.

Following the Django Unchained performer’s hospitalization, reports revealed that two of his ongoing projects, namely Back In Action and Beat Shazam, have resumed production in his absence. Back In Action is an action comedy for Netflix, while Beat Shazam is a game show where the Collateral star serves as the host alongside his daughter, Corinne Foxx, who acts as the show’s DJ. With Jamie’s blessing, Nick Cannon has taken over hosting duties for the game show.

We will likely hear from Jamie Foxx soon, with numerous exciting flicks set to hit the 2023 movie release schedule. Among his many upcoming projects, the Ray star is set to star in various action films, including God Is A Bullet alongside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Maika Monroe, as well as Tin Soldier featuring Robert De Niro and Scott Eastwood, both slated for release this summer. Furthermore, he will be seen in the Netflix comedy They Cloned Tyrone alongside John Boyega, and he has also lent his voice to the R-rated talking-dog comedy Strays.

Jamie Foxx’s return to the screen is highly anticipated. Whether he’s enjoying a game of pickleball or continuing his rehabilitation, we hope the actor continues to prioritize his recovery. Given his ability to captivate viewers with his talent, and versatility, a successful recovery will assure audiences they can look forward to experiencing his exceptional performances for many years to come. Having so many upcoming 2023 roles, it’s great news to hear his recovery is in good hands following his recent health scare.

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Jamie Foxx will address fans ‘when he’s ready’ following mystery illness, Nick Cannon says

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2 days ago

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June 5, 2023

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Cannon took over for Foxx as a guest host of the musical game show "Beat Shazam" after the 55-year-old was hospitalized in April. (Getty)

Nick Cannon said he believes Jamie Foxx will update fans on the health scare that sent him to the hospital in April “when he’s ready.”

“One thing I’ve always respected about how Jamie’s moved throughout his entire career, if you’ve noticed, he’s always been somebody who is extremely professional and extremely private,” Cannon told “Extra’s” Billy Bush.

“I mean, you don’t ever really hear anything other than just the great work that he puts forth as a professional and the fact that, you know, he’s handled this situation with the same manner, you only can respect that,” said Cannon.

He went on to add, “I believe when he’s ready, he’s going to address the awaiting fans in the world [about his health scare] the way that only he can.”

During the interview, Bush asked Cannon about reports that Foxx suffered a stroke and if he could give an update on his condition. Foxx’s family has not disclosed his medical condition.

“I’m probably in the same boat as you in that same sense of just knowing that, you know, as a friend, just being as respectful as I can, I don’t pry,” Cannon answered. “I don’t ask any other questions. And other than the information that’s given to me and, you know, what’s asked of me.”

He said the information that his family has put out “is the information that they want to be out there.”

“I was definitely one of those people initially with like the heavy-handed prayers… sending positive energy, love, and prayers,” he added. “And they were like, ‘Yo, we appreciate all of that, but we got it.’ And, you know, Jamie’s happy with the job that I did on ‘Beat Shazam.’”

Cannon took over for Foxx as guest host of the musical game show “Beat Shazam” after the 55-year-old was hospitalized in April. Kelly Osbourne took over as deejay for Foxx’s daughter Corinne.

Foxx broke his silence at the end of April, writing on Instagram, “Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed.”

In mid-May, his daughter Corinne Foxx gave an update on Foxx’s condition, writing on her Instagram story at the time that her father has been “out of the hospital for weeks” and is “recuperating” – and even playing pickleball.

In a since-deleted Instagram post, Corinne shared on April 12 that her father experienced a “medical complication” the day before, and “quick action and great care” helped guide him toward recovery last month.

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Nick Cannon urges for patience from fans over Jamie Foxx’s health condition report

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4 days ago

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June 4, 2023

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Amongst the many friends Jamie Foxx has in the entertainment industry, Nick Cannon is one of his closest ones. During this difficult health scare situation the actor has gone through, Cannon has made a public statement during an interview with the folks from Extra TV. He wanted to send a calming message to all fans who want to know what exactly happened to Jamie. Many different versions of what happened have emerged, some of them are quite conspiratorial, to say the least. But dropping information or statements from any source is hardly responsible, especially if these people who make such statements have an agenda.

Last Thursday, sme news of Jamie Foxx going blind due to taking the COVID-19 vaccine started circulating online but it came from a known anti-vaxxer. Until we get information from Jamie Foxx himself, there is no reason to post misleading information that will only get people even more worried than they already are. Nick Cannon wanted to send these people who worry a message and also to those who try to push their narrative by using this unfortunate event. As we expected, Cannon asked for patience and for better judgement when we are trying to find out what happened to Jamie. This is great advice from someone who actually has contact with the actor and his family.

Nick Cannon’s statement on Jamie Foxx’s health

Cannon said: “One thing I’ve always respected about how Jamie’s moved throughout his entire career, if you’ve noticed, he’s always been somebody who is extremely professional and extremely private. I mean, you don’t ever really hear anything other than just the great work that he puts forth as a professional and the fact that, you know, he’s handled this situation with the same manner, you only can respect that.

“I believe when he’s ready, he’s going to address the awaiting fans in the world [about his health scare] the way that only he can. I’m probably in the same boat as you in that same sense of just knowing that, you know, as a friend, just being as respectful as I can, I don’t pry. I don’t ask any other questions. And other than the information that’s given to me and, you know, what’s asked of me.“

 

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