Will Smith Inks First-Look Deal With Paramount

Will Smith and his Westbrook production company have inked a first-look deal with Paramount. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal is focused on developing four-quadrant theatrical movies—emphasizing projects based on IP and franchise plays. The projects will be developed as starring roles for Smith.

The deal was spearheaded by Paramount CEO David Ellison. Westbrook has set up projects at Paramount under the deal, including Sugar Bandits and Rabbit Hole from Dune writer Jon Spaihts.

Smith has previously worked with both Ellison’s Skydance banner and Paramount on the action thriller Gemini Man. Smith was last onscreen in 2024’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and in the 2022 Apple history drama Emancipation.

The deal is the latest win for Paramount under new boss Ellison. Last month, the Duffer brothers, (of Stranger Things fame), signed a four-year deal with Paramount that sent ripples throughout the industry.

Paramount has also recently acquired the rights to adapt a feature film based on the popular video game series Call of Duty. It also landed the High Side starring Timothée Chalamet, with James Mangold directing.