Will Smith, known as the leading figure in the upcoming sequel to the 2007 post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend, has made a public statement declining a request from his agency WME to include Meghan Markle, the former actress and ex-royal, in his upcoming movie.
The rejection comes amidst reports that WME, representing both Smith and Markle, had been pushing for Markle to be cast as Smith’s love interest in I Am Legend 2, set to hit theaters in 2024.
The agency saw this as an opportunity for Markle to make a comeback in the acting world after stepping away from the industry in 2017 following her marriage to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
However, Smith’s response was far from what WME had hoped for, as he reportedly dismissed Markle’s acting abilities, deeming her unworthy of sharing the screen with him.
Smith bluntly expressed his lack of interest in collaborating with Markle, labeling her as a “fake actress” whose fame is merely a byproduct of her royal connections.
He emphasized that he does not hold her in high regard as an artist and does not wish to be associated with her work, citing her lack of talent and charisma to convincingly portray a role in a sci-fi action film.
The rejection from Smith deals a significant blow to Markle’s aspirations of reigniting her acting career, which has remained stagnant since her departure from the popular legal drama series, Suits, in 2017.
Despite her absence from the screen following her marriage into the British royal family and subsequent relocation to California with Prince Harry, Markle has expressed a desire to return to acting, citing her fondness for the creative process and the challenges of embodying diverse characters.
Nonetheless, Markle’s intentions have not been met without skepticism and criticism from various quarters, with many questioning her motives and branding her as an individual driven by a thirst for fame rather than a genuine passion for the craft.
Additionally, allegations of unprofessional behavior and mistreatment towards colleagues have further tarnished Markle’s reputation within the industry, claims she vehemently denies, asserting her commitment to professionalism on set.
I Am Legend 2, the anticipated sequel to the 2007 blockbuster starring Smith as Robert Neville, the lone survivor in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, is poised to delve into a narrative that explores the aftermath of the first film’s conclusion, where Neville discovers a new understanding of the infected beings.
Drawing inspiration from the novel and video game The Last of Us, the sequel will delve into themes of humanity’s downfall and the emergence of a new order.
Despite the backlash and doubts surrounding Markle’s acting capabilities, her supporters remain steadfast in their admiration for her talent and humanitarian endeavors.
Fans have rallied behind her, lauding her skills and charitable work while eagerly anticipating her forthcoming projects with streaming giants Netflix and Spotify, which are anticipated to showcase her distinct voice and creative vision.
Amidst calls for Smith to reconsider his stance and provide Markle with an opportunity to prove herself in I Am Legend 2, the controversy surrounding the casting decision continues to captivate audiences and industry insiders alike.
Related Stories
