Gemini Man: The Rise and Fall of Will Smith's Sci-Fi Thriller
Will Smith, a renowned movie star, had a successful career in the '90s and early 2000s with hits like "Independence Day" and "Hitch." However, his collaboration with one of the creators of "Game of Thrones" resulted in the 2019 box office disappointment "Gemini Man." The film follows retired hitman Henry Brogan (Smith) as he is pursued by a younger clone of himself, created using de-aging technology. The cast includes Benedict Wong, Clive Owen, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, with David Benioff as one of the credited screenwriters.
Directed by Ang Lee, the movie received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, leading to a significant loss for Paramount Pictures. The project had been in development for over 20 years, with various writers and directors attached at different points. Benioff joined the project in 2007 and was paid $2 million for his services. The final version of the film was credited to multiple writers, but the script had undergone significant changes over the years.
Despite the long development process, "Gemini Man" failed to live up to expectations, with Lemke, the original writer, feeling disconnected from the final product. The movie's failure cannot be solely attributed to any one writer or director due to the numerous changes made throughout its development. For Benioff, "Gemini Man" is just one chapter in his diverse screenwriting career, which includes successful projects like "The 25th Hour" and "The Kite Runner."