What's Happening?
Will Smith and his company Westbrook have signed a multi-picture deal with Paramount Pictures, focusing on global, four-quadrant theatrical movies. The deal includes projects like 'Sugar Bandits,' based on Chuck Hogan's book 'Devils in Exile,' and 'Rabbit Hole,' an original screenplay by Jon Spaihts. This marks a significant shift for Smith, who previously had a long-standing deal with Sony. Paramount aims to leverage Smith's star power to create franchise-starting films.
Why It's Important?
Smith's deal with Paramount signifies his return to Hollywood's mainstream after a period of rehabilitation following the Oscars incident. The partnership highlights Paramount's aggressive strategy to attract high-profile talent and bolster its film roster. By securing Smith, Paramount positions itself to produce commercially successful films that appeal to a wide audience. This move reflects the studio's commitment to expanding its influence in the entertainment industry and creating new franchises.