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Apple TV+ and Netflix have pulled out of the bidding warfare on the Will Smith biopic after the actor slapped comic Chris Rock on the Oscars.
Apple was amongst a number of firms combating to safe rights to a movie about Smith’s life based mostly on his best-selling autobiography printed in 2021. Nonetheless, The Solar stories that Apple has eliminated its bid for the movie.
“Netflix and Apple+ have quietly eliminated their bids for a Will Smith biopic and can as an alternative relocate the funds and develop authentic concepts from new black actors,” a supply mentioned.
Reportedly, working with Smith has develop into a “dangerous enterprise” following the controversy surrounding the actor’s slap. The controversy began when Smith stormed onto the stage on the Oscars and slapped Rock after the comic made a joke about his spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith.
On the Oscars, Smith received the Oscar for Greatest Actor for his half in “King Richard,” beating out Denzel Washington’s portrayal of the titular character in Apple TV+ movie “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
After seemingly defending his actions throughout his Oscar acceptance speech, Smith later apologized for his actions and resigned from the Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences.
Smith is presently slated to star in a brand new authentic movie for Apple TV+ referred to as “Emancipation.” Nonetheless, manufacturing was halted on the movie due to Covid-19. Moreover, Apple was amongst a number of firms sued for alleged sexual harassment that came about through the film’s making.