Will Smith Says “Absolutely Vicious” Response To ‘After Earth’ Led To Jaden Smith Feeling “Betrayed” By Him

Will Smith has one of the most famous families in Hollywood. Between Smith, his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and their children, Willow and Jaden Smith, the four of them have starred in massive films and TV series, as well as sold millions of albums across various genres of music. But according to the patriarch of the Smith Dynasty, there was one massive professional failure that almost caused the family to fracture. 

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In a recent People article, where the outlet published excerpts from Smith’s upcoming memoir, simply titled, “Will,” the actor talks about his experience with the critical backlash against “After Earth” and how it forever, irreparably impacted his relationship with his son, Jaden Smith.

“‘After Earth’ was an abysmal box office and critical failure,” Smith wrote. “And what was worse was that Jaden took the hit. Fans and the press were absolutely vicious; they said and printed things about Jaden that I refuse to repeat. Jaden had faithfully done everything that I’d instructed him to do, and I had coached him into the worst public mauling he’d ever experienced.”

He continued, “We never discussed it, but I know he felt betrayed. He felt misled, and he lost his trust in my leadership. At fifteen years old, when Jaden asked about being an emancipated minor, my heart shattered. He ultimately decided against it, but it sucks to feel like you’ve hurt your kids.”

For those that don’t remember, “After Earth” was expected to be a massive box office hit for Will and Jaden Smith, as well as writer-director M. Night Shyamalan. The sci-fi film cost a reported $130 million and barely made more than $200 million worldwide after critics demolished the film (our review). Add to it the theory that “After Earth” is littered with Scientology allusions, and folks seemed to generally be put off by the film. 

Obviously, the relationship between Jaden and Will Smith has been largely fixed. Though, to be honest, with as many crazy rumors coming out of that house, it’s hard to know what any person in the Smith family really thinks. However, at least M. Night Shyamalan doesn’t have to feel bad for almost ruining a family.