Morgan Freeman did not reach the heights in Hollywood by always playing Mr. Nice Guy. His ruthless decision to fire a famous rapper from one of his movies shows the actor’s commitment to his craft. In 2013, Freeman joined forces with Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, and Kevin Kline to star in the comedy film Last Vegas. The film was supposed to have rapper T.I. in a supporting role in the film.
However, during the table read of the movie, the rapper’s unprofessional behavior greatly disappointed the veteran actor. The Shawshank Redemption actor let him know the next day that he was out of the ensemble cast of the film.
Morgan Freeman Fired Famous Rapper From His Movie With Robert De Niro
T.I., real name Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., ventured into movies besides his successful music career. He began his acting career with the film ATL, which was loosely based on his life in Atlanta. He has also acted in films like American Gangster, Takers, Identity Thief, and the MCU’s Ant-Man and its sequel.
He landed a role in the film Last Vegas, which had an ensemble cast led by Morgan Freeman and Robert De Niro. The film also had guest appearances from other musicians like 50 Cent and Redfoo. The Never Scared singer opened up about getting fired from the movie due to his mistake that Freeman couldn’t tolerate.
T.I. shared on his expediTIously podcast that he kept dozing off during the table read of the film in front of the veteran actors of the film. He shared that after he kept doing it three or four times, Freeman came over to him. T.I. shared that the Batman Begins actor chastised him like a little boy right then and there.
He further shared that his agent informed him the next day that Freeman wasn’t going to work with him after his unprofessional behavior. He was effectively fired from the film. The Soldier singer revealed on his podcast expediTIously:
I’m dozing off at the table! Falling asleep while everybody’s right there. After I did this about three or four times, Morgan Freeman from across the table says, ‘Son! Are you with us, son? Are you OK? Son? Get up! What is your problem?’ The man chastised me like a little boy right there at the table.
The rapper’s acting career didn’t take a major hit after Freeman fired him. He later went on to play a role in the MCU. According to HotNewHipHop, he signed a talent holding/ development deal with Warner Bros. Television in 2015.
Morgan Freeman’s Film Paid T.I.’s Full Salary Despite The Firing
T.I. suggested that the film “tanked” after his exit. However, the film was a hit after grossing $134.4 million at the box office against a budget of $28 million (via Box Office Mojo). The fate of the movie didn’t impact the rapper in any way as he revealed that he was paid his full guaranteed salary.
The film’s critical opinion was a far different case from its box office numbers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a rotten 46% critical rating. The consensus of the website noted that while the cast made the film watchable, it felt like a cheap Hangover rip-off. Besides the popular cast of the film, Jack Nicholson was attached to the project at one time, early in its development (LA Times).
Last Vegas is now available for streaming on Fubo.
