Will Smith Declines Disney's 'Dumbo' After Failed Negotiation
Will Smith is not doing "Dumbo" movie and it is final. The plan did not push through as the actor and Disney failed to reach an agreement in terms of salary and filming schedule.
Deadline reported that there are also other unusual reasons why Will Smith will not be in "Dumbo" but it was not elaborated. The new Disney movie was first announced in April 2016 but casting only started early this year so the cast lineup is not yet complete and final.
What is certain is that Tim Burton will be the film's director and writer Ehren Kruger has been assigned to do the script. Some of Burton's best-known works include "Edward Scissorhands," "Alice in Wonderland" (2010) and "Batman Returns" while Kruger is popular for the "Transformers" movie series as well as "Grimm Brothers."
At any rate, Will Smith was offered to play as the father of two children who befriended the big-eared baby elephant Dumbo. His character in the live-action adaption of the popular Disney classic is a human role so it is not difficult to do if he agreed to star in it.
While the salary fee has been cited as one of the reasons why the Will Smith turned away from "Dumbo," the amount being asked was not mentioned. On the other hand, the scheduling conflict was revealed to be due to the actor's "Bad Boys for Life" filming.
Sources told Variety that both "Dumbo" and the "Bad Boys" third sequel have the same shooting schedule so if Will Smith decided to accept the Disney film, it will definitely affect the "Bad Boys 3" premiere. Most probably, it will be pushed back or it could even be totally shelved.
Will Smith never confirmed or released statements about his possible casting on "Dumbo." However, it was speculated that it is the reason why "Bad Boys for Life" release date has been moved from January to November 2018.
Now, with the news that Will Smith already made the decision to let go of his role in the movie adaptation of the Disney animation, then it is now clear that there is another reason why the third installment of the "Bad Boys" franchise has been delayed. Meanwhile, "Dumbo" is expected to begin filming this summer.
