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Will Smith recently opened up about a major movie role he turned down, revealing that he was originally offered the lead in Inception but did not understand the script. In a candid interview with radio station Kiss Xtra, the 56-year-old actor shared that writer and director Christopher
Nolan approached him first for the 2010 science fiction heist film that later starred Leonardo DiCaprio.

"I do not think I have ever said it publicly before, and I am going to say it because we are opening up to one another. Chris Nolan brought me Inception first, and I did not get it," Smith admitted. "I have never said that out loud."

Smith reflected on passing up not only Inception but also The Matrix, another major science fiction film he previously turned down. "Now that I think about it, it is those movies that explore alternate realities. They do not pitch well," he explained. "But I am hurt by missing out on those two."

Inception eventually starred DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a thief who infiltrates people’s dreams. The film gained attention for its complex plot and ambiguous ending. It also featured a strong supporting cast including Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Michael Caine.

According to a 2010 report from The Hollywood Reporter, the role of Dom Cobb was first offered to Brad Pitt, who did not commit in time. The opportunity then went to Smith before finally landing with DiCaprio.

Despite missing out on some iconic roles, Smith’s career has been filled with blockbuster hits. He starred in Independence Day, Men in Black, Suicide Squad and Aladdin, among others.

Smith also won his first Academy Award in 2022 for Best Actor for his role in King Richard. However, that year's Oscars are best remembered for an incident where he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage. Sincethen, Smith has gradually returned to acting, appearing in Emancipation in 2022 and Bad Boys: Ride or Die in 2024.

In April, Smith celebrated the 30th anniversary of the original Bad Boys movie with a joint Instagram post alongside Martin Lawrence, director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. He shared behind the scenes photos and expressed gratitude to fans, writing, "Grateful for all the love you have shown us through the years."