According to Fandomwire, after the success of Independence Day, Will Smith found himself in high demand as he transitioned from his TV roots as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to becoming a successful film star. One of his significant ventures during this time was “Men in Black,” a science fiction film loosely adapted from a comic book series. In the movie, Smith played NYPD officer James Darrell Edwards III, who becomes Agent J, a member of an organization tasked with overseeing extraterrestrial activities on Earth, alongside Tommy Lee Jones’ character, Agent K.
Despite their collaboration being harmonious for the most part, there was a memorable exception. Director Barry Sonnenfeld revealed that Smith had a tendency to produce unpleasant gas. During a scene where Smith and Jones were maneuvering a car upside down in a tunnel, Smith reportedly let out a particularly unpleasant fart, prompting him to apologize and ask to be removed from the vehicle. Jones remained professional and reassured that everything was fine, continuing with the scene as planned.
Despite this comedic incident, the film’s production was relatively smooth, with the script undergoing some rewrites after filming. Jones initially grappled with not being able to engage with Smith’s character’s wisecracks, which added complexity to his role. However, the film was a resounding success, leading to two sequels that continued the duo’s partnership and received favorable reviews.
“Men in Black” marked another successful genre expansion for Will Smith, showcasing his ability to navigate different types of films and further solidifying his status as a versatile actor.
Naturally, this arrangement translated to Smith and Jones sharing close quarters for a substantial portion of the filming process. Yet, as director Barry Sonnenfeld attested, their dynamics were harmonious. “They loved each other,” Sonnenfeld mentioned. The rapport between the two actors was flourishing smoothly, apart from a solitary scene that stood out as an exception to this overall harmony.
Initiating a tale that ventures into intriguing territories, Sonnenfeld remarked, “Will has really nasty farts.” From here, he delved into a specific scene where Smith and Jones maneuvered a car upside down within a tunnel. This sequence involved an elaborate 10-minute setup just to ensure their secure positioning in the vehicle. We finally got it upside down; we’re ready to shoot. We hear Will say, “Oh, Jesus! I’m so sorry, Tommy. Guys, get us out of here! Get us out!” Jones, maintaining his professionalism, reassured that all was well and continued with the scene before promptly making his exit.
