Will Smith on 'After Earth': 'The Most Painful Setback of My Career'

Hollywood's A-list star, Will Smith, recently took a reflective journey down memory lane, focusing on his 2013 film "After Earth." He referred to this project, which co-starred his son Jaden Smith, as his career's "most agonizing setback." The science-fiction film proved to be a critical juncture in Smith's career, furnishing him with invaluable wisdom.

During an interview, Smith referred back to his earlier days on the set of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," where he was taught the significant lesson of not allowing one's victories or defeats to dictate their self-worth. This wisdom seemed to profoundly resonate with Smith, as he drew analogies to his personal career trajectory, particularly his encounter with "After Earth."

Although "After Earth" managed to earn a global revenue of $243 million against a production budget of $130 million, it did not match the commercial success of Smith's previous blockbusters, such as "Hancock" and "Hitch," which grossed $624 million and $368 million globally. Smith confessed that his son Jaden's participation in "After Earth" intensified the sting of the movie's underwhelming performance.

Pondering over the significance of box office success, Smith revisited his youthful ambition to achieve the top spot, equating triumph with affection. However, the setback of "After Earth" catalyzed a shift in his understanding of success, love, and artistic craftsmanship.

This transformation in perspective occurred the Monday following the film's debut. Coupled with the strain of a strenuous 90-minute workout and the distressing news of his father's cancer diagnosis, Smith experienced an epiphany: "Only love is going to fill that hole. You can't win enough, you can't have enough money, you can't succeed enough. There is not enough. The only thing that will ever satiate that existential thirst is love."

In a world where achievement and success are often seen as the ultimate goals, Smith's sincere reflections offer an alternative viewpoint. His transformation from seeking validation through success to prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships serves as a testament to the evolution of a global icon.