Will Smith has shed pounds for his new role as Peter in his new film Emancipation. His new look is a far cry from pictures of his Dad bod posted on social media during the pandemic.
The 54-year-old actor said he had been in “the worst shape of my life” back in May 2021, but has since dropped the weight for his latest role in Emancipation.
Will Smith Emancipation
Emancipation is a 2022 American historical action film directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Will Smith as an enslaved man in Louisiana in the 1860s who escapes his plantation. The film, written by William N. Collage, is loosely based on the real-life story of Gordon (named “Peter” in the film), a former slave, and the photographs of his bare back, heavily scourged from an overseer’s whippings, that were published worldwide in 1863, giving the abolitionist movement proof of the cruelty of American slavery. The film also stars Ben Foster and Charmaine Bingwa.
The film, which is based on a true story, follows former slave ‘Whipped Peter’ as he manages to escape to a Louisiana plantation before making his way to join the Union Army.
Will Smith said the role “absolutely changed” his life and health.
“You guys may remember I posted the out of shape… the ‘dad bod’ picture.’
Will Smith dad bod
“For me, the physicality is a big part of what makes people go, ‘Woah’.
“To be able to transition and manipulate your body as an actor is a big part of the suspension of disbelief for people,” Will said.
To lose the weight, Will exercised for two hours a day, five days a week. He also cut back on unhealthy carbs.
Will described wanting to slim down for his own health and satisfaction, though it was also the correct choice to play a formerly enslaved man.
Smith went through the standard diet and exercise regimen to get into shape for his part, but he continued to shed pounds even after filming started due to the less-than-sanitary conditions.
The Independence day star said the harsh filming conditions he faced when filming Emancipation also contributed to his weight loss.
“Actually being out in the swamps, it’s hot, it’s nasty. You’re actually in the swamp, so your hands are dirty so you don’t really want to grab food and eat.”
Will Smith reportedly encouraged his costars to fully commit to their roles in his new film, Emancipation. In a moment of impromptu acting, white actor Steven Ogg spit on Smith while reciting a line. Smith was surprised by Ogg’s action but continued with the scene because he believed that Ogg’s talent was necessary for the scene.
Emancipation is seen as Smith’s semi-comeback role after negative press seemed to harm his acting career earlier this year. Despite winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2022 for his role in King Richard, Smith caused controversy when he slapped presenter Chris Rock just before accepting his award.
Will Smith further stated that he understands why some people might not want to see his new movie, Emancipation. .
“I completely understand that if…someone is not ready, I would absolutely respect that and allow them their space to not be ready…My deepest hope is that my actions don’t penalize my team.”
Will Smith on audiences who aren’t ready to watch his films after Oscars. #GoodDayDC pic.twitter.com/2fc3XaXbMa
— Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) November 28, 2022
He expressed his concern that his actions, such as the incident at the 94th Academy Awards where he slapped Chris Rock, might negatively affect the people who worked on the movie.
“My deepest concern is my team. And my deepest hope is that my actions don’t penalize my team. At this point, that’s what I’m working for,” Smith said.
Emancipation is his first major role since the controversial incident at the Oscars.
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