“It can’t happen”: Will Smith Blames Dwayne Johnson For His Long Hiatus From Hollywood, Says The Rock Whooped His As*

“It can’t happen”: Will Smith Blames Dwayne Johnson For His Long Hiatus From Hollywood, Says The Rock Whooped His As*


Will Smith Blames Dwayne Johnson For His Long Hiatus From Hollywood, Says The Rock Whooped His As*

Will Smith’s disappointing performance of his sci-fi blockbuster, After Earth, led to a profound introspection that reshaped his career trajectory and artistic choices. In an exclusive interview during a press tour for his film, Focus, Smith opened up about the transformative impact of this setback on his mindset and aspirations. However, years after the revelation, the Hollywood actor and comedian finally got Smith to admit the real reason for his hiatus. And surprisingly, Hart’s best fried Dwayne Johnson is the one to be blamed.
Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Dwayne JohsnonWill Smith, Kevin Hart, and Dwayne Johnson
In a 2015 interview, Smith admitted, “A thing got broken in my mind.” The underwhelming response to After Earth, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and co-starring his son Jaden, prompted him to reevaluate his approach to selecting roles. However, there was more to it.

Will Smith candidly admitted how his hiatus was related to Dwayne Johnson

During an interaction with Kevin Hart, Will Smith admitted how Dwayne Johnson’s successful film affected him. When Hart asked Smith about what exactly pushed him to take an acting hiatus before his 2015 movie Focus, the Men in Black actor said, “I saw you and The Rock whooping my a*s at the box office. And I was like “It can’t happen.” 
Dwayne Johnson and Kevin HartDwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart
Unable to understand how to react to the statement, Kevin Hart said that he didn’t expect to hear that. And to this, Smith simply replied, “No that’s what happened.” Furthermore, he revealed what exactly troubled him the most during the time. He said, “And I knew you were talking about me behind my back. I could tell. I could tell.” Indeed another statement Hart did not expect to hear.

However, Hart eventually did admit that he might have said some things. And continuing with his complaints, Smith further added, “We are from Philly, it was you and me. Now, all of a sudden, every time you’re with Dwayne.” 

But unable to control their laughter during the conversation, Smith ended his complaints by highlighting that Hart has a new friend now, a new ‘bodybuilding friend’ who is probably much cooler than him.

How did Will Smith explain his acting hiatus on the release of Focus

After Earth, with a budget of $130 million, earned a modest $60 million in the US box office. However, its global success wasn’t enough to offset the disappointment, especially given Smith’s involvement as both an actor and producer. The actor explained that the initial sting from the film’s reception gradually subsided, leading to a powerful realization.
Will SmithWill Smith
“I was like, oh, wow – I’m still alive. I still am me, even though the movie didn’t open at number one. Wait, I can still get hired on another movie! All of those things in my mind and my entire ‘Mr. July,’ ‘Big Willie Weekend’ ‘No. 1,’ ‘8 in a row’ – all of those things got collapsed and I realized I still was a good person.”
This moment of reckoning shattered his long-held association with being a consistent box office draw, known for his 15 years streak of hit films such as AliThe Pursuit of HappynessI Am Legend, and the Men in Black franchise.

Smith’s paradigm shift from goal orientation to path orientation was a pivotal turning point. He embraced the value of each moment, interaction, and creative endeavor without fixating on box office rankings. In the wake of After Earth‘s stumble, Will Smith’s journey witnessed a profound evolution in his artistic philosophy, helping him embrace uncertainty and explore uncharted creative territories.

Related Posts

Sergio Perez Now Faces a Significant New Obstacle in His Bid to Secure a Seat with Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 Season, Raising Doubts About His Future in the Sport as This Challenge Could Have Serious Implications for His Prospects in the Highly Competitive F1 World.

Sergio Perez would have been looking on at what’s happening at Red Bull Racing this week with great interest after losing his seat on the grid at…

Helmut Marko has issued an official statement regarding the future of Red Bull Racing, providing insights into the team’s plans following the shock removal of Christian Horner from his position. The decision has sent ripples throughout the Formula 1 world, and Marko’s comments aim to clarify Red Bull’s next moves.

Photo: © IMAGO Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the team’s future following the shock dismissal of Christian Horner. Horner was removed from his…

The FIA’s Penalty Controversy That Cost Oscar Piastri a Well-Deserved Win: An In-Depth Look at the Decision That Shook the Racing World.

Lando Norris Triumphs at Silverstone, but Was Oscar Piastri’s 10-Second Penalty Fair? The 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a spectacle, with Lando Norris emerging victorious…

Christian Horner ‘Convinced’ Ferrari Move Depends on One Key Factor as Scuderia Targets Red Bull’s Ex-Chief.

Christian Horner might not have to wait long to receive offers to return to Formula 1 after Red Bull Racing sacked the Briton from his role as…

Ferrari Finally Opens Up About the Shocking and Unexpected Challenges Behind Their Struggles in Formula 1, Revealing the Complex Factors That Have Contributed to Their Ongoing Performance Issues, and What They Plan to Do to Overcome These Obstacles and Return to Their Former Glory in the F1 World.

Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 Season: The Road to Recovery The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a year of highs and lows for Scuderia Ferrari, with the…

The Surprising Impact of Christian Horner’s Red Bull Decision: Why George Russell May Lose the Most

The news that Red Bull Racing have parted ways with team principal Christian Horner took the Formula 1 world by surprise on Wednesday morning. Red Bull and Christian Horner are…