George Clooney Bailed On "Wild Wild West" Due To Will Smith Getting Funnier Lines

Barry Sonnenfeld Reveals Wild Stories From The “Men in Black” Set And “Wild Wild West” Flop In New Memoir

Barry Sonnenfeld, the filmmaker known for his diverse body of work, from cinematography on early Coen Brothers films to directing major Hollywood hits, recently unveiled behind-the-scenes anecdotes in his new memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time. With his signature blend of humor and frankness, Sonnenfeld delves into his experiences on some of the most memorable—and notorious—films of his career, including the beloved "Men in Black" trilogy and the box-office disaster "Wild Wild West."

Promoting his memoir on the Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa podcast, Sonnenfeld shared a particularly hilarious and unexpected story from the set of 1997’s Men in Black, which starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Sonnenfeld revealed that filming had to be stopped for three hours due to an unusual incident involving Smith’s intestinal gas, leaving the cast and crew in disbelief.

A Fart That Cleared the Set

Sonnenfeld recalled the moment during the iconic transforming car scene, where Smith and Jones were sealed inside a high-speed pod. As the camera rolled, Sonnenfeld heard Smith apologizing profusely to Jones, saying, “Oh Jesus, so sorry. Tommy, so sorry.” Confused, Sonnenfeld rushed to help, only to find out that Smith had released an unfortunate amount of gas inside the airtight pod.

According to Sonnenfeld, while Tommy Lee Jones remained calm and understanding, the confined space made the situation unbearable. “You really don’t want to be inside a very small hermetically sealed space with a Will Smith fart,” Sonnenfeld joked, emphasizing that the odor was so potent it forced the crew to evacuate the set for several hours.

Despite the mishap, Sonnenfeld spoke fondly of Smith, calling him a “lovely guy” and acknowledging that everyone has their quirks. The incident, while memorable, didn’t tarnish their working relationship, as the two went on to collaborate on more projects, including two Men in Black sequels.

The Downfall of Wild Wild West

In his memoir, Sonnenfeld also reflected on his biggest box-office failure, 1999’s Wild Wild West, a film notorious for its budget and underwhelming performance. Despite its star-studded cast, which included Will Smith, Kevin Kline, and Kenneth Branagh, the film was plagued with production issues that ultimately led to its downfall.

One key issue Sonnenfeld highlighted was the departure of George Clooney, who had been cast as Smith’s co-star but dropped out after feeling overshadowed by Smith’s humorous lines. Kevin Kline was then brought on as Clooney’s replacement, but the chemistry between him and Smith failed to take off. Sonnenfeld described Kline as a “lovely, talented guy” but noted there was an unspoken rivalry between Kline and Branagh, who played the film’s villain. This dynamic led Kline to over-perform in an attempt to outshine Branagh.

Sonnenfeld acknowledged that he had to intervene and convince Smith to play the straight man, as the film wouldn’t work with two comedic leads. “We don’t want two funny people in our comedy,” Sonnenfeld said, stressing that Kline was unwilling to take on the “not funny” role. Unfortunately, the lack of chemistry between Smith and Kline was apparent on screen, and audiences were left unimpressed.

Personality Clashes and Missed Opportunities

Sonnenfeld’s memoir goes beyond these two films, delving into other significant moments in his career, including his experiences on the set of Get Shorty, where Gene Hackman had issues with co-star John Travolta. Sonnenfeld also discusses a failed attempt to reboot Beverly Hills Cop as a TV series, revealing the challenges of navigating Hollywood’s creative landscape.

With its candid behind-the-scenes stories and Sonnenfeld’s lighthearted approach, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time offers readers a unique perspective on the highs and lows of filmmaking. Sonnenfeld’s reflections on his career reveal the complexities of collaboration in Hollywood, where egos, unexpected events, and conflicting creative visions can make or break a project.

For fans of Men in Black, Wild Wild West, and Sonnenfeld’s broader body of work, the memoir is a treasure trove of untold stories and humorous insights into the often chaotic world of movie-making.

Final Thoughts

Barry Sonnenfeld’s journey through Hollywood has been one of both critical success and commercial misfires. With beloved films like The Addams Family and Men in Black under his belt, his reputation as a skilled director remains intact despite the occasional flop like Wild Wild West. His memoir not only highlights his creative achievements but also sheds light on the human elements behind the camera—personalities, mistakes, and moments of unexpected hilarity.

Whether you're a fan of Sonnenfeld’s films or simply interested in the complexities of directing in Hollywood, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time is a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the inner workings of some of cinema’s most iconic productions.

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Source: Dark Horizons

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.