Will Smith is set to star in a new sci-fi thriller, called Resistor, based on New York Times bestselling author Daniel Suarez’s 2014 novel Influx.
The 55-year-old Oscar winner has reportedly been ‘developing the project for years’ alongside American film producer, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jon Mone and Tony Shaw of Escape Artists.
Heather Washington is executive producing while Dave Wilson will serve as a producer.
Screenwriter, Zak Olkewicz, who wrote and produced Bullet Train (2022), penned the first draft. Eric Singer is responsible for writing the latest draft.
At this time, the ‘film is in development and currently in search of a director,’ according to Variety.
Although the plot is still under wraps, it is an adaptation of the book, Influx, which follows ‘a physicist who is locked away in a high-tech prison just as he is about to make a startling breakthrough.’
Will Smith is set to star in a new sci-fi thriller, called Resistor, based on New York Times bestselling author Daniel Suarez’s 2014 novel Influx; seen in June 2024
According to a synopsis of the novel from The Hollywood Reporter, ‘the scientist soon discovers a shadowy organization has been keeping technological advances for itself and out of the hands of humanity at large’ and decides to fight back.
The casting announcement comes after Smith’s latest movie, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, proved to be a major hit at the box office following its June 7 theatrical release.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fourth installment in the franchise, has grossed $113 million at the domestic box office and $215.5 million globally.
Per, Variety, the franchise has now ‘crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office.’
The film came two years after Smith landed at the center of controversy in 2022 after he slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars.
The success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die proves the father-of-three is still able to draw audiences following the controversy.
Ahead of its release, a film industry insider assured People that Bad Boys was ‘not a risk’ and is a ‘good piece to see him soar.’
‘A talent as ambitious and financially successful as Will does not go away with one mistake,’ a source insisted. ‘He needs to keep box-office success alive.’
The 55-year-old Oscar winner has reportedly been ‘developing the project for years’ alongside American film producer, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Jon Mone and Tony Shaw of Escape Artists
At this time, the ‘film is in development and currently in search of a director,’ according to Variety (pictured in 2022)
Another Hollywood insider also told the outlet that the film could put the actor ‘back on top’ if it ‘does well’ at the box office.
The source said the actor ‘should be back on top and looking good for other films he is involved with and working on’ should Bad Boys 4 succeed.
The film – produced on just a $19 million budget – earned $65.8 million domestic and $141.4 million worldwide.
The franchise continued with 2003’s Bad Boys II, which earned $138.6 million domestic and $273.3 million worldwide from a $130 million budget.
