Overview

• In a June 2025 Kiss XTRA interview, Smith said he turned down Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film Inception because he didn’t understand its dream-layered narrative during the pitch.
• Nolan initially offered the script to Brad Pitt and demanded a response within 48 hours before approaching Smith, and Leonardo DiCaprio ultimately secured the lead after Smith declined.
• Smith noted that films exploring alternate realities often “don’t pitch well,” echoing his admission that he also passed on Neo in The Matrix after a similarly confusing pitch meeting with the Wachowskis.
• The actor reflected on declining Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained over creative differences on its thematic tone, commenting that these missed opportunities “hurt too bad to talk about.”
• Inception grossed over $839 million worldwide and won four Academy Awards, highlighting how casting decisions can shape both careers and cinematic history.