Will Smith Explains Turning Down 'Django Unchained'

Not so long ago, Quentin Tarantino was dreaming up his ideal cast for his then-upcoming Southern "Django Unchained." His tale of a freed slaved searching for his still captive wife was sure to drum up controversy, so a recognizable star was needed for the title role to ground the premise.

Tarantino's first choice was reportedly none other than mega-star Will Smith. The role would have been Smith's most controversial to date, so it didn't exactly come as a surprise when the actor passed on it.

But in a new interview with Empire (via The Playlist), Smith opened up about why he turned down the role of Django, ultimately allowing Jamie Foxx to step in.

Learn more after the jump!

For Smith, the decision came down to timing. According to the actor, "Men In Black 3" got in the way of making "Django Unchained," which Smith complimented for its script.

"I came really close, it was one of the most amazing screenplays I had ever ever seen," said Smith about Tarantino's screenplay. "I was in the middle of 'Men In Black 3' and [Tarantino] was ready to go, and I just couldn't sit with him and get through the issues, so I didn't want to hold him up. That thing's going to be ridiculous. It is a genius screenplay."

As fun as it would have been to see Smith really move outside his comfort zone, the two trailers we've seen so far seem to indicate that Foxx is really going for broke on this one.

You can check out a full report from the set of "Django Unchained" in the latest issue of Empire.

Will Smith Explains Turning Down ‘Django Unchained’

damn...would've liked to see Will Smith play this role, but I'm sure Jamie will do a good job

Yea I was so so disappointed when he turned it down; but Jamie'll do a great job I'm sure

I wanted to see Will Smith play the role... Jamie Foxx will be cool though

All he has to say is I'm not that much of a uncle tom I got money no need to play a uncle tom role

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yeh jamie would have done a good job.... but im sure will will do just as good

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ehh rather have someone else other than jamie foxx in the staring role. I just don't think he's a really good actor.

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First day dont give a !! my niccah leo in it all that matters still luv u tho fresh prince

Edit: :leodatass:

god damn it, will [pic]

Didn't need him in this.[pic]

How do you say no to tarentino?

Must have been more to it than will is letting on. Didn't tarentino wait a whole year for uma thurman in k!ll bill?

YuP. I think the role is just too controversial for Will.

I will be glad when slave roles aren't the only way to show black history on the big screen tho. [pic]

"get through the issues" AKA can we get rid of this slave who hates white people stuff? I don't think this would play over with my target audience if I said "Killin white folks and they pay you for it? What's not to like?"

wait wait, what what?

idiot move by will, he'll never be remembered as a great actor if you don't take parts like this.

He also turned down The Matrix. [pic]

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Translation:

"Mutha!!a I'm tryna be president one day and roles like that will come back and bite me in the[..] with white Americans and big money donors..."

as far as these kind of roles go


jamie foxx>>>>>>>will smith