Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 5:39 pm GMT
Did you know that a fart at the “Men in Black” set once caused a three-hour evacuation? Yes, this light-hearted incident involved none other than star Will Smith and director Barry Sonnenfeld shared the amusing details during a recent podcast. It might sound funny, but it highlights the unpredictable nature of film production.
Will Smith’s Unforgettable Fart Incident
In the latest episode of “Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa,” Sonnenfeld recounted a memorable moment from 1997 while filming the blockbuster “Men in Black.” During one particular scene, a fart from Smith led to a significant disruption.
- The incident occurred in a sealed pod used for high-speed car scenes.
- Smith was filming alongside co-star Tommy Lee Jones when things took an unexpected turn.
Sonnenfeld described how the pod had special locks to stop it from accidentally opening during intense scenes. However, once the cameras rolled, Smith quickly apologized after letting one rip.
How the Set Was Evacuated
As Sonnenfeld narrated, “I say, ‘Roll camera,’ and I hear Will Smith go, ‘Oh Jesus, so sorry. Tommy, so sorry. Baz, get the ladder.’”
- Jones responded calmly, assuring Smith, “That’s fine, Will. No worries, Will. Don’t worry, Will.”
- However, Sonnenfeld noticed Jones almost leaping out of the pod to get fresh air.
“This was no ordinary fart,” Sonnenfeld explained. “You really don’t want to be inside a very small hermetically sealed space with a Will Smith fart.”
With the laughter subsiding, the crew rushed to clear the stage for about three hours, showing how much power even a simple bodily function can have in Hollywood.
The Success of “Men in Black”
Despite the comical fart episode, “Men in Black” became a spectacular success. Released in 1997, the film:
- Grossed $584 million worldwide.
- Known for blending action and comedy, it became the third-highest-grossing movie of that year.
Smith’s role as Agent J, paired with Jones as Agent K, transformed him into a global star, especially after his previous hit “Independence Day.”
Future Collaborations
Sonnenfeld continued to work with Smith in two sequels: “Men in Black II” in 2002 and “Men in Black 3” in 2012. Unfortunately, neither sequel reached the phenomenal heights of the original film.
- Josh Brolin joined Smith in both follow-ups, indicating that the comedy-action dynamic was still strong, despite the different box office performances.
Will Smith remains well-known for his charismatic performances, and his reputation is somewhat mixed in light of this funny anecdote. “He’s a lovely guy,” Sonnenfeld concluded, “Just, he farts. Some do, some don’t.”
A Memorable Moment in Filmmaking
This story serves as a reminder that filmmaking has its unscripted moments. An unexpected fart could disrupt a high-flying production, but it’s the memories like these that make the process enjoyable.
Recounting such entertaining tales might also add a bit of humanity to these larger-than-life Hollywood figures. Smith is not just a superstar; he also shares relatable, humorous moments with his colleagues.
For more details from Sonnenfeld about this incident, listen to the full interview on “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa” here.
The film industry is always changing, and funny stories like these make fans laugh. They also show us the silly problems that happen behind the scenes in the exciting world of movies.
