Will Smith is renowned as one of the most iconic actors worldwide. However, a recent recollection from filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld sheds light on a humorous side of Smith during the filming of the 1997 blockbuster Men in Black.
In a candid moment shared during a podcast, Sonnenfeld humorously reminisced about an incident where Smith’s notorious flatulence became a memorable part of the filming experience.
Sonnenfeld vividly described a scene in which both Smith and co-star Tommy Lee Jones were filming inside a hypercar. “We had to maneuver a ladder over on wheels, much like those old days of boarding planes from the tarmac. Once the crew secured the actors inside and prepared to shoot, the space became hermetically sealed,” Sonnenfeld explained. “And just as we were ready, I heard Will Smith exclaim, ‘Oh, Jesus. So sorry. Tommy, so sorry. Baz, get the ladder!’”
Humorous Anecdote from Filming
The director shared that Jones handled the situation with grace, while the crew was initially oblivious to the unfolding comedic drama. “You could hear Tommy reassuring Will, ‘That’s fine, Will. No worries,’” Sonnenfeld recalled. Realizing something was amiss, they hurried the ladder over as Jones made a swift exit.
According to Sonnenfeld, the flatulence problem was substantial enough to clear the filming area for nearly three hours. Despite this amusing mishap, Sonnenfeld expressed his enduring admiration for Smith. “Will Smith is a farter,” he stated, adding that some individuals are simply prone to such things. “You definitely don’t want to be in a small, sealed space with a Will Smith fart. He’s a wonderful guy, but, yes, he farts.”
