Will Smith Talks 'Hancock,' Obama & 'Big Willie Weekend'

By Access HollywoodJune 23, 2008, 1:54 pm PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Will Smith and the Fourth of July have become a tradition for moviegoers. The actor has opened blockbusters such as "Independence Day" and "Men in Black" on the holiday weekend and hopes his newest onscreen adventure, "Hancock," will be also be box office fireworks.

But Will wants his fans to know that "Hancock" is a different kind of hero than moviegoers might be used to seeing.

[ Preview: 'Hancock' - Play it Now ]

"He's a super hero, but he drinks. He's got personal problems…some issues. He doesn't really get along with people," Will told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson. "It was what I was looking for at this point in my career. I want [the audience] to expect one thing and when they get into the theater, [and then] it's just something they never could imagine. There's some turns at the end of '[Hancock]' that are just genius."

The super hero film, which co-stars Charlize Theron, took Will on a four-day international whirlwind tour that included Berlin, London, Paris and Moscow. During a Monday morning interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today" show, Will said that being an American abroad has been difficult in years past, but he sees a change on the horizon.

[ Will Smith Handprint Ceremony - Check Out the Photos ]

"It just hasn't been a good thing to be American. And this is the first time since Barack has gotten the nomination that it was a good thing," Will said.

In addition, the actor told Lauer he plans campaign for Obama in the coming months of the election.

[ All Access: Will Smith - Movies - TV One - Celebrities - Geek Chic ]

But what did Will have to say when asked if he thought people would get behind the country if led by McCain?

"There's certain ideas I believe Obama stands for that are fundamental, that the forefathers of this country wrote down on paper that we're all supposed to pay attention to, and we're not supposed to ignore it, and do what we want to do because we have different ideas," he noted.

[ Access Archives: Will Smith - Play it Now ]

Regardless of his upcoming work on the Obama campaign, Will plans to continue his Fourth of July duties on the big screen.

"Affectionately, we call that weekend, 'Big Willie Weekend,'" he said. "It's a weekend that has been very successful for me, and I'm going to ride it until she bucks me."

[ Will Smith - Check Out the Photos ]

And if the weekend let's Will ride to another smash at the box office, can fans expect a "Hancock" sequel?

"I don't know. I usually don't want to jinx it before it comes out, but it sets itself up really nice," Will told Access. "For me [my movies] have to be fantastic. I'm not making any movies anymore that aren't stunning, fantastic and groundbreaking! Everything that I put out is going to be somebody's favorite movie that they've ever seen in their life."

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comments

comments 1-10 of 25  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest
  • *babydoll*
    Krissy you r so rite. obama is so blah. all he does is talk, talk ,talk. i have no idea were he stands. he's always promising change, but he never says how. i love will, but i can't stand when actors get too political. it's like "hello, your an actor, go make a movie."
    report abuseposted July 9, 2008, 3:24 pm PDT
  • Princess
    bethebestwill
    report abuseposted June 27, 2008, 1:26 pm PDT
  • Princess
    bethebestwill
    report abuseposted June 27, 2008, 1:26 pm PDT
  • Princess
    youaresoooocool
    report abuseposted June 27, 2008, 1:25 pm PDT
  • KRISSY C
    I'm so sick of celebrities saying that there was nothing in this country to be proud of before Obama started running for president. That makes me sick! Obama has absolutely no experience in politics except being a senator. Big deal! Anyone can make campaign promises they never intend to keep just so you'll vote for them. Stick to what ya know Will..making movies. Your opinion has
    report abuseposted June 24, 2008, 7:52 pm PDT
  • Y.T.
    NONE OF US LIVED DURING SLAVERY TIMES. F'n DROP IT
    report abuseposted June 24, 2008, 4:42 pm PDT
  • Megan H
    Will is the Man!! Dont Hate !! Congratulate!!
    report abuseposted June 24, 2008, 12:38 pm PDT
  • Goddess
    DC lover that is the most stupid reason to stop watching someone's movies. You don't like the candidate he is supporting? Plenty of intelligent people are supporting Obama.
    report abuseposted June 24, 2008, 8:55 am PDT
  • babygirl70529
    I've enjoyed all of Will's movies and respect his decision to support any political nominee that he decides too. No one person is going to be liked by everyone so we all should just accept that fact, and move on with our lives. To Will, Keep up the great work and follow your heart where every it leads you.
    report abuseposted June 24, 2008, 8:50 am PDT
  • DC Lover
    Well, I WAS a Will Smith fan, no matter how bad some of his recent movies have been, BUT since I know he is an Obama supporter, I won't be seeing any more of them as I don't want to contribute a fraction of a cent to the Obama FAD. And I had thought Will was a smart guy...
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 8:22 pm PDT
comments 1-10 of 25  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

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