Will Smith is officially embarking on a new chapter in his career, and he’s doing it with one of Hollywood’s biggest players. The Academy Award-winning actor and his production company, Westbrook, have signed a new multi-picture, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures. This move marks a significant shift for Smith, whose previous long-running deal was with Sony, and it signals a clear vote of confidence from a studio that’s aggressively building its talent roster.
A Strategic Move for Both Sides
The deal is a win-win. For Paramount, which recently completed a major merger with Skydance, bringing a global star like Will Smith into the fold is a key part of its strategy to increase theatrical output and build new intellectual property (IP). The studio is actively focused on producing “four-quadrant” films—that is, movies that appeal to all four major demographics (male, female, under 25, and over 25). The partnership with Westbrook and Smith, a proven box office draw, aligns perfectly with that goal.
For Will Smith, the deal provides a new home for his creative vision, giving him the institutional backing to develop and star in major theatrical releases. Westbrook will have a physical presence on the Paramount lot, allowing for close collaboration and a streamlined development process. This new pact comes on the heels of the commercial success of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’, a film that reminded the industry of Smith’s enduring star power and global appeal.
The Projects on Deck
The new partnership is already moving forward with two projects in development:
- Sugar Bandits: This Boston-set thriller is based on the novel ‘Devils in Exile’ by Chuck Hogan. The story follows a former Special Forces soldier who leads a vigilante squad to dismantle the city’s drug trade. This project is being positioned as a potential franchise-starter, with Smith expected to star.
- Rabbit Hole: Plot details for this project are being kept under wraps, but it has a high-profile name attached: Jon Spaihts, the acclaimed screenwriter behind films like ‘Dune’ and ‘Passengers’. This suggests a high-concept, possibly sci-fi, thriller designed as another starring vehicle for Smith.
A New Era for Paramount and Will Smith
This deal is a strong statement from Paramount’s new leadership, which has been on a hot streak of luring top-tier talent. In recent weeks, the studio also locked down a four-year deal with ‘Stranger Things’ creators the Duffer Brothers and acquired the rights to adapt the blockbuster video game franchise ‘Call of Duty.’
For Will Smith, this deal is a powerful signal of a new chapter in his career, one that is focused on creating fresh, IP-driven franchises for the big screen. The combination of his star power, Westbrook’s proven production capabilities, and Paramount’s new strategic direction sets the stage for what could be a very exciting and successful collaboration.
