Netflix Abandons Will Smith's "Bright 2" Sequel: Report

BY Erika Marie 9.0K Views
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It doesn't look as if there will be a follow-up to Smith's 2017 film with the platform.

This week, we've heard quite a bit about Netflix as the streaming service has been suffering a few hits. It has been reported that Netflix was a major downturn as the platform is said to have lost hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and later, it was shared that their plans for a Will Smith sequel have been axed. Back in 2017, Smith starred in the Netflix production Bright and production was pushing forward full steam for Bright 2.

Updates about the sequel arrived as recently as earlier this month, but we're only now receiving more information about the Smith's career fallout after his infamous Academy Awards slap involving Chris Rock.

Frazer Harrison / Staff / Getty Images

According to reports, a National Geographic project Smith was involved in has been delayed and on the heels of that news, Netflix has dropped Bright 2 altogether. Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw also tweeted that "Netflix has also abandoned plans to make a sequel to Bright." However, he added that this was "unrelated" to the Oscars incident. Smith has issued statements about his scandalous moment and has already offered an apology to all involved. 

"My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home," said the actor. "I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken."

"I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film."


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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.