It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest what ifs—what if Will Smith had starred in Inception?
During a candid interview with UK radio station Kiss, Will Smith shared that he was originally approached by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan to star in what would become the 2010 sci-fi masterpiece Inception. But Smith turned down the role, admitting, “I didn’t get it.”
Why Will Smith Said No
Will confessed, “I don’t think I’ve ever said it publicly, but Chris Nolan brought me Inception first, and I didn’t get it. I’ve never said that out loud.” He added, “Now that I think about it, it’s those movies that explore alternate realities… they don’t pitch well. But I’m hurt by those too.”
In the same interview, Smith jokingly recalled passing on The Matrix as well, calling it “one of my beautiful scars.” He reflected on these missed opportunities, saying, “It hurts too bad to talk about.”
Nolan’s Shortlist Before DiCaprio
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Christopher Nolan initially offered Inception to Brad Pitt, requesting a decision within 48 hours. When Pitt didn’t commit, the script made its way to Will Smith. Ultimately, it was Leonardo DiCaprio who took on the role of Dominic Cobb, bringing Nolan’s mind-bending dream world to life.
Other Major Roles Will Smith Turned Down
This isn’t the first time Smith has admitted to turning down major roles. In a 2019 YouTube video, he explained that he declined The Matrix because the Wachowski siblings’ pitch focused heavily on visual style rather than the story, which didn’t connect with him at the time.
He also passed on Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, explaining to GQ that he didn’t want to do a “slavery film about vengeance.” That role eventually went to Jamie Foxx.
About Inception: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Inception has since become one of the most iconic sci-fi films ever made. Leonardo DiCaprio starred as Cobb, a skilled thief who steals secrets by entering people’s dreams. The film also featured an ensemble cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, and Tom Hardy.
Cobb’s team navigates layered dream worlds to plant an idea in a target’s mind—a concept that challenged and captivated audiences worldwide. With its complex narrative and stunning visuals, Inception earned critical acclaim and became one of Nolan’s most celebrated works.
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