Will Smith and his Westbrook Studios are forging a new film partnership with Paramount Pictures, marking a significant win for the studio as it ramps up its development slate under new leadership.
The first-look deal centers on developing and starring Smith in large-scale, four-quadrant theatrical films, with a strong emphasis on projects originating from established intellectual property and potential franchises. This collaboration aims to leverage Smith’s star power and Westbrook’s production capabilities to create commercially viable blockbusters for Paramount.
Several projects are already in the works under the agreement.Sugar bandits, adapted from Chuck Hogan‘s novel Devils in Exile, is a crime thriller following an Iraqi war veteran who turns to intercepting drug deals. The project has previously been circulated among other studios. Additionally, Rabbit Hole, a new project penned by Dune screenwriter Jon Spaihts, is also set up at the studio.
The deal arrives amid a period of aggressive acquisition and development for Paramount, spearheaded by Ellison since taking the helm. Recent moves include securing rights to adapt the popular video game series Call of Duty into a film franchise, a $7.7 billion deal for UFC rights, and a multiyear exclusive agreement with the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers.
Smith has a prior working relationship with both Ellison’s Skydance and Paramount, having starred in the 2019 action thriller Gemini Man. His recent film credits include Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), which served as his return to the screen following the 2022 Oscars incident, and the 2022 Apple historical drama Emancipation. Smith is represented by CAA.
