When we hear Charlize Theron and Will Smith’s names being mentioned during the same discourse, Hancock immediately springs to mind. The pair starred opposite each other in the 2008 superhero action comedy, which proved to be a huge success at the box office, grossing $629.4 million globally.
However, most fans often forget that Theron and Smith also joined hands nearly a decade before Hancock. They worked in The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) – a movie that was not only a nightmare experience for the audience but also the actress.
Charlize Theron Explains Why Working With Will Smith Led to the Worst Experience of Her Life
In Hancock, Will Smith portrayed the titular superhero who becomes wildly unpopular because of his reckless nature.
We don’t really know what inspired the character in the 2008 hit, but if Charlize Theron‘s words are to be believed, her co-star displayed recklessness when they partnered for The Legend of Bagger Vance as well. The issue is that this time, he supposedly did it all behind the scenes and made the whole experience unpleasant for Theron.
In 2000, the Monster star made an appearance on David Letterman’s chat show, The Late Show, to talk about her sports fantasy movie with Smith.
When the host asked if Smith was “great fun” to work with, Theron scoffed before talking about her experience during a golf game with Smith. The Oscar winner recalled:
“I just played it with him two weeks ago for a charity and it was, I think the worst experience of my life. He’s a complete freak in many things, but especially with golf.”
Smith’s competitiveness took the focus away from the ladies’ game which made Theron “mad”. “We were mic-ed so I couldn’t tell him, ‘What the hell is wrong with you, idiot?'” Theron added.
She went on to reveal that the I Am Legend star called her days later and apologized.
Will Smith Wasn’t the First Choice for a Key Role in Charlize Theron’s Movie
The Legend of Bagger Vance follows the story of Captain Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), who meets a mysterious caddie (Smith), who teaches him the art of mastering the perfect golf swing. Theron portrays Adele Invergordon, the girlfriend of Junuh.
Initially, the lead roles were going to be played by Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford, but Redford decided the story was more suited to younger stars. Interestingly, the Indecent Proposal star went on to direct the movie.
Regardless, the film proved to be a box office disaster, grossing just $39.5 million against a staggering budget of $80 million. A truly nightmare stint for Theron – on and off the set.
