Will Smith Shares the Surprising Global Strategy Arnold Schwarzenegger Told Him to Follow!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Will Smith, a name synonymous with blockbuster films and global fame, has built an illustrious career spanning decades. From his breakthrough in television with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to iconic roles in franchise films like Men in Black and Independence Day, Smith’s journey in Hollywood is marked by versatility and success. However, one pivotal moment early in his career helped shape his approach to the industry, thanks to a piece of advice from none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In the documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, Smith recalled an encounter that would prove to be a turning point in his career. It happened during the opening of Planet Hollywood in the early 1990s, a gathering that saw the likes of Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis as prominent shareholders. At the time, Smith was just beginning his rise to fame with The Fresh Prince, and he took the opportunity to approach these Hollywood legends for advice.
“I walked into a room, you know, 1990, 1991, something like that,” Smith shared. “Fresh Prince was just on, just getting started. So it was Arnold, Bruce, and Sly, and I walked up to them, and I was like, ‘Hey, look, I don’t mean to interrupt y’all, but I wanna do what y’all do. What’s the secret? I know you know something that other people don’t know.'”
Schwarzenegger’s response was both simple and profound, setting the course for Smith’s future career: “If you want to be a movie star, you’ll never be a movie star if your movies are only successful in America. Your movies must be successful everywhere on Earth.”
At the time, the notion of global box office success wasn’t as widely understood as it is today. The idea that a movie star’s worth was tied to international appeal rather than just domestic success was groundbreaking. Smith, then just a rising star, was struck by the power of this advice.
“And Arnold said, ‘If you want to be a movie star, you’ll never be a movie star if your movies are only successful in America. Your movies must be successful everywhere on Earth,'” Smith remembered, miming a gasp in reaction.
This advice proved pivotal in shaping Smith’s approach to the industry. “Box office-wise, if you’re big enough around the globe, you can flop a movie in America and still make the studio’s money back in Europe, Japan,” Smith explained. The rise of international markets like Europe and Japan, and later Russia, offered Smith and other actors the opportunity to measure success on a global scale.
Indeed, Smith’s career trajectory over the years has mirrored this philosophy. Films like Independence Day, Hancock, and I Am Legend not only resonated in the United States but became massive international hits, solidifying his status as a global star. This broader perspective on success allowed Smith to envision his career as one that could transcend borders, ensuring longevity and relevance in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
In a world where global box office numbers often dictate an actor’s level of success, Smith’s ability to think globally from the outset has allowed him to remain at the forefront of Hollywood’s biggest stars. As the industry continues to evolve with international markets playing an increasingly important role, the wisdom shared by Arnold Schwarzenegger decades ago remains as relevant as ever, serving as a cornerstone of Will Smith’s enduring legacy.
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