Will Smith is slated to star in “Supermax,” an action thriller directed by “Halloween” filmmaker David Gordon Green.
Amazon MGM acquired the worldwide rights to the movie from Miramax for $70 million, according to Deadline, which broke the news of the deal. The studio won’t be putting “Supermax” in theaters and will instead drop the film directly on Prime Video on a yet-to-be-determined date.
Smith hasn’t appeared onscreen since 2024’s “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which marked the actor’s first major film since he assaulted Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Academy Awards. “Bad Boys 4” was a hit with $404 million worldwide, a sign that audiences hadn’t soured on Smith at least when he’s anchoring a time-tested franchise. He hasn’t been cast in an original movie since the incident at the Oscars. At least one other Hollywood studio appears to be warming to working with Smith after he tarnished his reputation; Westbrook, the entertainment company founded by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, recently signed a first-look deal with Paramount to make franchise films.
“Supermax” is described as a “propulsive and twist-laden action thriller” about two FBI agents who are investigating a murder that’s taken place in the world’s most secure prison. Smith will play a character named Rex. Additional casting is underway with plans to start production in mid-August.
David Weil and David J. Rosen, whose small screen credits include “Hunters” and “Invasion,” wrote the screenplay. Weil and Rosen will also serve as executive producers, alongside associate producer Natalie Weil. Producers include Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona of The Picture Company and Smith and Adam Fishbach will produce for Smith’s company Westbrook. Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman, president of film Alexandra Loewy, COO Thom Zadra, and senior VP Spencer Ela are attached as executive producers.
