Netflix has scrapped plans for Bright 2, a sequel to the 2017 fantasy movie Bright which starred Will Smith and was directed by David Ayer. When it was released, Bright was Netflix’s most-watched original movie, however, Netflix insists that the decision to abandon the sequel is not related to Will Smith slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars telecast. Then again, almost every project that Smith had been attached to has been postponed or canceled in the past couple of weeks and, in many cases, it was insisted that these decisions had “nothing to do” with the incident at the Oscars.
Joel Edgerton co-starred in the original (and now only) movie. Bright was set in a world where fantasy characters like orcs (Edgerton’s character, Jakoby), fairies, elves, etc. escaped into “the real world” but were quickly established as second-class citizens, living in ghettos. Smith’s character, LAPD officer Daryl Ward, is established early on as being prejudiced against these magical beings only to find himself partnered with Edgerton’s orc, Jakoby. Noomi Repace also starred as the elf Leilah.
While the movie was streamed enough times to make it Netflix’s most-viewed original at the time, it was not generally well-received. Critics loathed it. It has a 27% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes. Its audience score is a pretty impressive 85%. But… what were these audiences watching? This movie SUCKED!
Among the other Smith projects impacted by “The Slap” was a National Geographic nature documentary. That hasn’t been scrapped, just delayed until later this year… y’know when we all forget about “The Slap.”
Last summer, Ayer dropped out of directing Bright 2 and that was the last update on the planned sequel.
Netflix has further explored the world of Bright in the animated movie Bright: Samurai Soul. I suppose it’s possible Netflix could continue this property in this format.
After “The Slap,” Smith issued this apology:
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
Smith then resigned from the Academy and was banned from attending any Academy ceremonies for 10 years. (He could still be nominated, though. I mean… if he can get any projects made.)
Were you looking forward to Bright 2? If so… WHY?
