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Will Smith turned down ‘Inception’ as he didn’t understand the plot: “I didn’t get it”

Mon 16 June 2025 17:35, UK

Will Smith has revealed that he turned down the lead role in Christopher Nolan’s Inception as he didn’t understand the plot, admitting: “I didn’t get it.”

The actor opened up about the part that never was during a recent interview with the radio station Kiss Xtra, explaining that the role, eventually played by Leonardo DiCaprio, was just the latest in a long line of blockbusters that he gave the cold shoulder to.

“I don’t think I’ve ever said it publicly but I am going to say it because we are opening up to one another,” Smith said. “Chris Nolan brought me Inception first and I didn’t get it. I’ve never said that out loud. Now that I think about it, it’s those movies that go into those alternate realities… they don’t pitch well. But I am hurt by those, too.”

Inception was not the first film he turned down, however, as he also lost out on chances to star in The Matrix and Django Unchained over the years.

Regarding his shot in The Matrix, Smith called it one of his “beautiful scars,” adding “I’m hurt by those two” regarding it and Inception.

Director Nolan reportedly also turned to Brad Pitt to take the lead role before Smith, who also declined the offer, until DiCaprio eventually played the part in the 2010 movie, becoming one of his best-known roles.

For Smith’s part, however, he is temporarily turning his back on Hollywood after a turbulent few years to refocus his efforts on his music career, releasing his latest album, Based on a True Story, in March as his first effort in 20 years.

The actor and rapper will embark on a tour across the UK and Europe over the summer months.