Will Smith is continuing to enjoy remarkable success with his film series, particularly as one of his franchises has found new life on streaming platforms. From his early breakout role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith has achieved acclaim as both a blockbuster and prestige actor. His impressive career has garnered him four Oscar nominations, winning Best Actor for King Richard, in addition to seven Golden Globe nominations, including a win for the same acclaimed biopic focused on Venus and Serena Williams.
As a prominent figure in blockbuster cinema, Smith has headlined a diverse array of films, including pivotal roles in major franchises. Notable entries in his filmography feature Independence Day (1996), a landmark title that solidified his status as a box office powerhouse, along with adaptations like I, Robot (2004) and I Am Legend (2007). His adventure in franchise storytelling began with the Bad Boys series, where he reprises his role in three sequels. However, it’s another franchise that is currently making waves in the competitive streaming scene.
The Men in Black Franchise in Streaming Charts
Streaming Success Long After Its Launch
One of Smith’s iconic franchises, Men in Black, debuted in 1997 and was inspired by Lowell Cunningham’s comic series. In this franchise, Smith portrays Agent J, a police officer who becomes part of a secret agency that monitors extraterrestrial activities on Earth. He shares the screen with Tommy Lee Jones, who plays his mentor, Agent K. Their collaborative efforts in the first three films received favorable reviews and were significant box office hits.
A remarkable 27 years after its initial release, the Men in Black franchise is experiencing a resurgence on streaming platforms. Currently, the first two installments sit in the Top 10 of Peacock’s Movies chart, ranking at No. 6 and No. 9 respectively.
These films share the spotlight with popular titles such as the animated The Grinch (No. 1), Shrek 2 (No. 2), Sing 2 (No. 3), and more, while an Oscar contender, Conclave, holds its ground at No. 5.
Insights on Men in Black Franchise Success
Will Smith as a Star Continues to Attract Audiences
Remarkably, the resurgence of the Men in Black series on Peacock coincides with its absence from public attention since the lackluster performance of Men in Black: International. This sequel, featuring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, struggled to meet expectations, casting doubt on the franchise’s future.
If the original Men in Black films continue to chart high on streaming services, it is plausible that Sony Pictures could reconsider reviving the series with Smith at the forefront. His successful return in the Bad Boys films demonstrates that he can still attract both critical acclaim and box office revenue. With the right co-star and engaging content, the Men in Black franchise could have a new chapter ahead of it.
Source: Peacock
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