Popular actor Will Smith lost a career-defining role when Jamie Foxx beat him for the lead in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls via CheatSheet. It has been noted that while Foxx earned widespread acclaim and catapulted his stardom, Smith missed the chance to showcase his talents opposite Beyoncé Knowles at the height of her fame. The disappointing loss would come to exemplify how Smith struggled for years to find that one transcendent part to propel him to the next level.
When the lead role of James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls emerged, an electrifying character inspired by music greats like James Brown and Marvin Gaye, Smith aggressively pursued it. But despite his efforts, he lost the part that could have changed his career trajectory to Jamie Foxx.
Insider reports that Will Smith had vigorously campaigned for the role of James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, a flashy R&B singer loosely inspired by music legends like James Brown. However, despite Smith’s eager pursuit of the role in the acclaimed Broadway adaptation, he lost out to Jamie Foxx.
In interviews, Smith has expressed frustration over being dubbed “not edgy enough” for Early compared to Foxx. He badly wanted the chance to showcase new depths through the complex role. Losing it stung profoundly.
Ultimately, Smith was deemed “not edgy enough” for the role compared to Foxx by Dreamgirls director Bill Condon. Missing out meant Smith lost the incredible opportunity to star opposite Beyoncé, who earned Golden Globe nominations for her performance. Acting alongside Beyoncé in the buzzy musical could have helped propel Smith’s career.
Condon noted that Foxx displayed more of a reckless loose cannon energy that fit the character. Smith was reportedly devastated the role went to Foxx instead of him.
Foxx’s stellar performance positioned him for Oscar attention and bigger stardom, but Smith’s hopes were dashed. Losing out to Foxx denied Smith the chance to show off new sides of himself on the big screen. It would take several more years before roles like Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness finally provided Smith with the showcase he desired.
Jamie Foxx beating out Will Smith for the career-making role in Dreamgirls exemplifies how losing out on that one shot can change an actor’s entire trajectory. Smith was denied his chance to showcase his skills opposite Beyoncé in an acclaimed musical while Foxx got to spread his wings.
(H/t Fandom Wire)
