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Will Smith lost out on a highly coveted, potentially career-defining role when Jamie Foxx beat him for the lead in the 2006 musical dramaDreamgirls.While Foxx earned widespread acclaim and catapulted his stardom, Smith missed the chance to showcase his talents opposite Beyoncé Knowles at the height of her fame. The disappointing loss would come to exemplify how Smith struggled for years to find that one transcendent part to propel him to the next level.
Smith has made no secret of his quest to land more serious, complex roles that diverge from his blockbuster Hero Persona.So when the lead role of James “Thunder” Early inDreamgirlsemerged, an electrifying character inspired by music greats like James Brown and Marvin Gaye, Smith aggressively pursued it. But despite his eager efforts, he lost the part that could have changed his career trajectory to Jamie Foxx.
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Will Smith Aggressively Pursued the Role of a Lifetime
According to insider reports, Will Smith had vigorously campaigned for the role of James “Thunder” Early inDreamgirls, a flashy R&B singer loosely inspired by music legends like James Brown, and Jackie Wilson. However, despite Smith’s eager pursuit of the role in the acclaimed Broadway adaptation, he lost out to Jamie Foxx.
In interviews, Smith has expressed frustration over being dubbed“not edgy enough”for Early compared to Foxx. He badly wanted the chance to showcase new depths through the complex role. Losing it stung profoundly.
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Denied the Chance to Showcase His Talents Opposite Beyoncé
Ultimately, Smith was deemed“not edgy enough”for the role compared to Foxx byDreamgirlsdirector Bill Condon. Missing out meant Smith lost the incredible opportunity to star oppositeBeyoncé, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. Acting alongside Beyoncé in the buzzy musical could have helped propel Smith’s career.
According to Condon, while Smith’s talent was undeniable, Foxx displayed more of a reckless loose cannon energy that fit the character. Smith was reportedly devastated the role went to Foxx instead of him.
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Jamie Foxx’s Career Soared While Will Smith Remained Grounded
While Foxx’s career reached new heights after his nuanced, charismatic turn inDreamgirls, Smith remained grounded searching for the transformational part he craved. Foxx’s stellar performance positioned him for Oscar attention and bigger stardom, while Smith’s hopes were dashed. Losing out to Foxx denied Smith the chance to show off new sides of himself on the big screen.
Jamie Foxxbeating outWill Smithfor the career-making role inDreamgirlsexemplifies how losing out on that one shot can change an actor’s entire trajectory.
Dreamgirlsstarring Beyonce and Jamie Foxx is available for rent on Apple TV.
Source:CheatSheet
Manasvi Dwivedi
Articles Published :41
Manasvi S Dwivedi is an enthusiastic writer at FandomWire. She started writing at the tender age of 5 and slowly it turned to something she enjoyed the most. She owns three books under her name and proudly calls herself the ‘Instagram Poet’.Apart from her work desk, you will find her writing letters to the moon and sky.
