Will Smith reveals surprising reason for turning down lead role in Christopher Nolan's 'Inception'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Will Smith revealed on Saturday, July 25, that Christopher Nolan originally offered him the lead role in 'Inception,' but he turned it down because he did not understand the film's concept.

Reflecting on the decision, Smith admitted it remains one of the missed opportunities that still bothers him. The actor made the revelation while also expanding his slate of upcoming projects, even as legal matters involving his family continue to unfold.

Will Smith recalls rejecting Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' 

Speaking candidly, Smith acknowledged that he had never publicly shared the story before. “I don’t think I’ve ever even said it publicly before, and I’m gonna say it now because we’re opening up to one another,” he said.

He then revealed, “Chris Nolan brought me Inception first, and I didn’t get it. I’ve never said that out loud. And now that I think about it, it’s those movies that go into those alternate realities, they don’t pitch well. But I’m hurt by those two."

Alongside reflecting on the missed role, Smith has a new film in the works. Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the rights to 'Supermax,' an action thriller directed by David Gordon Green.

The film will stream exclusively on Prime Video worldwide, with production scheduled to begin in mid-August. 

'Supermax' is described as “a propulsive and twist-laden action thriller that follows two FBI agents investigating a murder that's taken place in the world's most secure prison,” with Smith starring as lead character Rex.

Announcing the project on Instagram, the production house wrote, “Huge announcement today. We are thrilled to be teaming up with director David Gordon Green and The Picture Company to bring this incredible film to life.”

Smith responded to the announcement with a single flexed biceps emoji, signaling his excitement for the project.

Will Smith expands film slate amid legal battle

'Supermax' will mark Smith's third starring film since the 2022 Academy Awards incident in which he slapped Chris Rock onstage after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith.

Smith later publicly apologized for his “unacceptable” actions and received a 10-year Oscars ban despite winning his first Academy Award that night for 'King Richard.'

Since then, he has starred in 'Emancipation' (2022) and reunited with Martin Lawrence for 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (2024), which earned $193.5 million at the domestic box office and finished as North America's 11th highest-grossing film of the year.

He is also developing an 'I Am Legend' sequel with Michael B Jordan, telling Entertainment Tonight in 2024 that progress was “looking good.”

Following Jordan's Best Actor Oscar win for 'Sinners' in March, a source close to Smith told PEOPLE, “Will and Michael have huge respect for each other's talent.”  

In February 2025, Smith also revealed during a Twitch stream that he hoped to approach Zendaya for a role in 'Hancock 2.'

“There's a really cool, really cool Hancock 2 idea. We haven't even talked about it, so I'll give you one little piece, Zendaya will be being approached for Hancock 2, for a role in Hancock 2,” he said.

Smith may also become involved in an ongoing legal dispute involving his wife and former friend Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal.

The legal battle began in December 2025, when Salaam filed a $3 million complaint alleging that Jada confronted him in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons in September 2021 and threatened him.