Netflix Gets The Will Smith Movie That Made Him Infamous
We’re certainly not saying that Will Smith wasn’t an absolute legend before the evening of March 27, 2022, we’re just saying that the multi-hyphenated performer who was once just a kid from Philadelphia became notorious on that night. On that particular evening, Smith would have a meltdown at the Academy Awards that led to the slap heard round the world. Still, Smith took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in King Richard and now, you can stream the movie that solidified his place in history as it’s now on Netflix.
King Richard On Netflix
We’ll get to the moments leading up to, during, and after Will Smith’s assault on comedian Chris Rock in just one second but it’s only fair to give some details about the movie that earned Smith the highest accolade an actor can achieve.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, King Richard told the story of tennis legends Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton). It primarily focused on their father, Richard Williams (Smith), ‘s loyal dedication to ensuring they had the best opportunities possible to succeed.
Not only did Smith’s portrayal of the devoted patriarch gain recognition and heaps of acclaim, but the movie also nabbed five other Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
Legacy Tied To The Slap
Sadly, much of the film’s legacy is now tied to the events of the 2022 Oscars, as Will Smith’s rash decision to storm the stage in the name of chivalry became one of the most shocking on-air moments in television history.
While Chris Rock was on stage preparing to hand out the award for Best Documentary, the comedian took some jabs at the Hollywood elite in the room that night. Included was Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and to say the joke didn’t land with the Smiths would be an understatement.
Will Smith At The Oscars
Moments later, those of us sitting at home saw Will Smith strutting down the stage, heading straight for Chris Rock. Without a moment’s hesitation, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star wound up and slapped the presenter across the face.
Just like those tuning in for the events, those in attendance were equally shocked at what they had just witnessed.
Total Shock At The Ceremony
Once back in his seat, Will Smith yelled profanities at Chris Rock, with Rock doing an incredible job of playing the wild moment off and getting the show moving along.
While friends of Smith’s like Bradley Cooper could be seen consoling him during commercial breaks, many folks wondered if the slap was planned and if it would interfere with Smith’s bid for Best Actor.
There was a palpable level of shock when Smith was announced as the winner and the performer had no choice but to return to the stage and deliver his acceptance speech with his head hung a little bit lower.
Will Smith Fallout
The fallout of the Academy Awards incident was a wild one with the prestigious event taking its own actions against Will Smith, while studios and production companies dropped him from their projects.
But, in the end, the saying is true that no press is bad press, as the title was still a popular one at its then streaming home of Max.
Streaming King Richard
Of course, things have bounced back for Will Smith over the last two years, with the actor on the verge of celebrating the return of his fan-favorite character alongside Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
So, if you were waiting for the drama surrounding the Oscar’s slap to die down before you checked out King Richard, now’s the perfect time. The film has nestled in at Netflix and is ripe for streaming.
