NEWS'After Earth' Tanks! 4 Ideas for What Will Smith Should Try Next
After weeks of touring the world doing press and making us smile with Fresh Prince of Bel-Air gifs, Will Smith finally saw the release of his huge new movie After Earth this past weekend. And it tanked.
Photos: See pics of Will and Jaden Smith with all their famous friends!
The movie, directed by the once-promising but now punchline-worthy M. Night Shyamalan, opened up in third place, behind Now You See Me and unbelievably, Fast & Furious 6. Eeep. This is not good news for Will Smith—this is the first time one of his movies hasn't opened up at number one in over twenty years.
OK! News: Watch Will Smith's 5 best action-movie moments ever!
But he's in luck! We have some ideas for how to get things back on track.
Dial down the ego.
Will Smith used to be the most likeable person on planet Earth. He seemed like the funniest, coolest guy in your high-school class, the one everyone just wants to hang out and laugh with. Somewhere along the way, he became like Tom Cruise—an untouchable star with no connection to the real world. When's the last time we saw pics of him just walking down the street? Does he fly?
Try a gritty indie.
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Remember his turn in Ali (and his hot body)? No, not all of his serious roles have been been successful, but just like his action movies, they've been enormous and high-profile, like Pursuit of Happyness. What if he tried a tiny little movie, with some 24-year-old director and no trailers? Played just a normal guy, or one in a serious and heart-breaking romance? It could definitely be interesting to see him playing a role, not versions of himself.
Do one happy romantic comedy.
But just one! To get things rolling again. Hitch is really dumb but really sweet and enjoyable.
Make music again.
Yes, he's a bit older now and his music was always essentially corny—but that's why it's so awesome. This world can be a sad place, and we need happy music. Do it for us, Big Willie Style.
Did you see After Earth this weekend? Why do you think it did so poorly? Are you a big fan of Will Smith? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us at @OKMagazine.
