Sony Pictures Developing Hip-Hop Musical Movie Based On Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Song ‘Summertime’
Christian Hubbard
Posted On September 22, 2021
Before he was one of the biggest blockbuster attractions in cinematic history, Will Smith was once the biggest hip-hop star in the world. Along with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith released four albums under the stage name The Fresh Prince. Now, as first reported by Deadline, one of the duo’s biggest records is being turned into a hip-hop musical by Sony Pictures.
Per the initial report, the film is based on the lead single on DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s fourth studio album, “Summertime”. Notably, the duo won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The film, appropriately titled Summertime, will be written and directed by Peter Saji (Black-ish), in his directorial debut. Decades after its release, the single is still heralded as hip-hop’s finest summer celebration by a bevy of music critics and journalists. Within the lyrics, the song tells the story of how young Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff spent their high school summer breaks.
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Will Smith will executive produce the film via his Westbrook Studios production banner. Additionally, Jon Mone (King Richard), John Davis (Dr. Dolittle 2), and Giselle Johnson serve as executive producers as well. Sony Pictures will bankroll the film and distribute it via their Screen Gems division.
The last year has been quite busy for Will Smith. The actor recently had a starring role in 2019’s live-action Aladdin and Spies in Disguise alongside Tom Holland as well as 2020’s Bad Boys for Life. Moreover, Smith recently returned to his hip-hop roots with a remix to Joyner Lucas’ tribute track “Will”. Up next, Smith will star in HBO Max’s King Richard, as well as a Planes, Trains, & Automobiles remake with Kevin Hart and lead the cast for Antoine Fuqua’s runaway slave thriller Emancipation. Additionally, the multihyphenate continues to produce a bevy of films and TV shows via Westbrook Studios. Recently, the actor selected newcomer Jabari Banks to star as Will in Peacock’s Bel-Air drama reboot.
What do you think? Will you watch Sony’s hip-hop musical? Sound off in the comments below!
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