On the action film’s 25th anniversary, EW revisits the beginning of an all-time movie star run.
“Now that’s how you become the biggest movie star on the planet!
From now on, that’s how you act!”
Credit: Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
It’s hard to believe there was a time when people were unsure of Smith’s acting bona fides.
And yetThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwould flourish, thanks to a strong supporting cast and Smith’s undeniable charm.
(Even today,Six Degreesstands as his riskiest and most boundary-pushing role.)
But this was still a very different Hollywood.
And it took many breaks for Smith to land his first starring role.
Hall would pass, a decision he’s copped to regretting.
Marcus Burnett,recently told EW.
It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
No offense toBig Momma’s HouseandWild Hogs, but it was probablythebest decision.
Cue the opening credits.
That is how you open a movie!
And that was just the beginning of Smith’s star-making turn.
(Cool Will Smith always reigned supreme over sad Will Smith inEW’s ranking of his film roles.)
“Everybody wants to be like Mike,” Lowery says after smoothly sinking a jump shot.
AfterBad Boys, everybody wanted a piece of Will.
(Even so,EW is here to defend the Western action comedy).
And like a Bad Boy, he’ll be the movie star of a generation… for life.
