Will Smith is gracefully stepping down from his leading role in the upcoming adrenaline-pumping flick, 'Sugar Bandits.' While the Hollywood superstar and his production house, Westbrook, will continue to oversee the mammoth-budget production as producers, the film's production timeline, which was poised to commence filming within the next few months, has encountered a hiccup due to uncertainties surrounding Smith's availability on screen.
Sources intimate that Smith's departure as an actor stems from a clash of schedules, leaving fans and industry insiders alike wondering which, if any, prestigious project is now being prioritized for the A-list actor.
Amidst this shuffle, Westbrook is determinedly seeking a worthy successor to fill Smith's shoes and remains steadfast in their commitment to bring 'Sugar Bandits' to life in 2025. However, a cloud of uncertainty now hovers over the film's horizon, given that it was originally sold worldwide at prestigious events like EFM and Cannes, with Amazon Prime and leading independent distributors eagerly snapping up rights based on Smith's star power and involvement.
Smith, an Oscar-winning marvel, was set to embody a former special forces operative leading an elite vigilante team on a mission to eradicate Boston's drug underworld. The project, helmed by visionary director Stefano Sollima, who previously captivated audiences with 'Without Remorse' and 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado,' is adapted from Chuck Hogan's (author of 'The Town') gripping novel and screenplay, 'Devils In Exile.'
Pre-production was well underway, with Montreal lined up as the picturesque backdrop for filming, and scouting expeditions already completed. The casting net was poised to be cast wide for other actors once a firm start date was locked in.
This summer, Smith triumphantly returned to the box office with 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die,' which raked in over $400 million globally, fueling speculation that the film's success may have paved the way for him to embark on an even grander studio endeavor.
When reached for comment, Westbrook, AGC Studios (the producer, financier, and sales arm), and CAA maintained a tight lip, declining to divulge further details.
