“I wanted to play roles that you would give to Tom Cruise”: Before Emancipation Will Smith Helped Jamie Foxx Score Quentin Tarantino’s $449 Movie Starring Leonardo Dicaprio

Long before his infamous Oscars altercation, Will Smith made a gesture that helped spur Jamie Foxx to stardom – surrendering Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained lead role which ultimately went to Foxx. Though Smith craved the part, he knew Foxx was the right man for the job.

Will Smith’s Sacrifice Led Jamie Foxx to Django Role

In the early 2010s, Will Smith was eager to evolve from his Fresh Prince roots into more intense, dramatic characters. So when Tarantino approached him for Django Unchained, Smith jumped at the chance.

But similar to his iconic Muhammad Ali biopic turn, Jamie Foxx also had his sights set on playing the lead role of the revenge-seeking slave Django Freeman. Ultimately Smith faced a career-altering choice – feed his own ambitions, or support the perfect actor for Django even if it wasn’t himself.

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Putting Ambitions Aside for the Greater Good

Though tempted by the meaty Tarantino role, Smith made the tough call to back out, realizing “it was Jamie’s part” as he later told EW. Smith recognized that Foxx’s raw talent and real-life experience with racism made him uniquely qualified for the role.

So Smith had a candid conversation urging the director to cast Foxx, even at the sacrifice of his own hunger for the part. It demonstrated Smith’s growth into a mature, selfless actor who could prioritize brilliant casting over ego.

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A Star-Making Turn for Jamie Foxx

Django Unchained proved absolutely career-defining for Jamie Foxx, earning him massive acclaim en route to Best Actor Oscar glory. It cemented Foxx as a leading man capable of toggling between comedy and searing drama.

But without Smith’s generous concession of the hotly-sought role, Quentin Tarantino may have given the starring role to Will despite Foxx’s obvious fit. Smith gave Foxx’s talent the spotlight it deserved. Smith’s gracious Django surrender exemplified his warm bond with Foxx. It placed their friendship above professional gain.

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Foxx expressed deep gratitude, telling media that Smith practiced “big upping” by handing him the role. Their enduring brotherhood was forged by Smith’s generous spirit. Of course, their relationship has proven more complicated following Smith’s Oscars slap. But Smith’s Django sacrifice remains a profound moment between the friends and talents.

Will Smith once made a profound career sacrifice that bolstered Jamie Foxx’s path to stardom. By conceding the Django lead role to Foxx, Smith displayed selfless wisdom and faith in his talented friend. And he earned Foxx’s lasting gratitude through the gesture.

Source: The Things