A Will Smith movie is a peculiar thing- peculiar in that it’s all but guaranteed to make dump trucks full of money, no matter what the movie actually is. Put Smith in the starring role, people see it- well, except for After Earth, but let’s not forget M. Night Shymalan’s equally potent anti-box office powers. Part of this, of course, is due to Smith’s choices as an actor; the vast majority of his filmography is made up of Hollywood dramas and gigantic action movies.
Selling Time seems like one more drop in the “sure to make a bajillion dollars” bucket. The story involves a man (and it’s an incredibly safe bet to assume that man is Will Smith) who’s given the opportunity to shave seven years off his life expectancy for a science fiction do-over on the absolute worst day of his life. The Wrap reports that the film (billed as a “supernatural thriller”) was actually close to being Will Smith-ified several years ago, but plans fell through due to scheduling conflicts. Now that Smith has, apparently, a more open schedule (and a desire to right the horrific wrong that was After Earth), Selling Time has gotten a green light once again. The project doesn’t have a director yet, but with Smith’s involvement, multiple big names are now said to be circling the movie.
As long as none of them are M. Night Shyamalan, Smith should be just fine.