After the triumphant $100 million domestic box office performance of Sony Pictures’ “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” last weekend, all eyes are now on Will Smith’s next move with the studio. Smith, attached to star in Sony’s upcoming project “Resistor,” based on Daniel Suarez’s novel “Influx,” marks a significant continuation of his partnership with the studio.
The adaptation, spearheaded by Escape Artists alongside Smith’s Westbrook and Jon Mone, has been in development for some time. The script, initially penned by Zak Olkewicz and later revised by Eric Singer, has garnered excitement among executives. Heather Washington is set to executive produce, with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Tony Shaw, and Dave Wilson producing.
“Influx,” a 2014 bestseller, delves into a gripping sci-fi narrative where physicist Jon Grady faces off against a clandestine government organization, the Bureau of Technology Control. The story unfolds in a dystopian future where groundbreaking technological discoveries are suppressed to maintain control and power. Grady, imprisoned for resisting the bureau’s influence, becomes humanity’s beacon of hope against an entrenched enemy wielding advanced technology.
Smith’s commitment to “Resistor” comes hot on the heels of the resounding success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which not only revitalized the summer box office but also solidified Smith’s status as a formidable box office draw. The “Bad Boys” franchise, now a billion-dollar powerhouse, has seen its latest installment exceed $113 million domestically and $215.5 million worldwide within its first 10 days.
Known for their successful collaborations on films like “Seven Pounds,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” and most recently, “Emancipation,” Smith and Sony Pictures are poised to continue their fruitful partnership. While a director for “Resistor” has yet to be announced, discussions are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as production gears up.
Smith, represented by CAA and Overbrook Entertainment, remains a pivotal figure in Hollywood, balancing blockbuster roles with projects that explore poignant themes and futuristic concepts. As anticipation builds for “Resistor,” fans and industry insiders alike await eagerly to see Smith’s portrayal in this next thrilling chapter of his cinematic journey.