The 1992 movie scene Will Smith will always regret not shooting: “I wish I had another shot at it”
In his first major studio film, *Six Degrees of Separation* (1992), Will Smith refused to film a scripted kiss between his character and another man. The decision led the director to use an obscured stand-in, weakening the scene, and Smith later said he regretted letting concern about his public image override the role.
Smith said he worried about how friends in Philadelphia would react and later called his refusal immature, describing it as a lesson in committing to a character. The film starred Smith as Paul, a con artist, alongside established actors including Ian McKellen, who was disappointed and later greeted Smith with a kiss at a preview.
In short
- Smith declined to film a scripted kiss in his 1992 film debut.
- A stand-in was used, with the actor’s face hidden.
- Smith later called the decision immature and regrettable.
Explained simply
Six Degrees of Separation is a 1992 drama about Paul, a young con artist who persuades a wealthy New York couple that he is connected to actor Sidney Poitier. The story explores social status, trust and the identities people present to others.
It was Will Smith’s first major studio film, and he played Paul alongside established actors including Ian McKellen. The film came early in Smith’s acting career, before he became widely known as a film star, and the scene has since been discussed as an example of how concerns about public image can affect an actor’s choices.