Will Smith leaves Legendary sci-fi pic 'Brilliance'

Will Smith could use a hit at the box office, but Brilliance is not going to be it. The Men in Black star has dropped out of the science fiction film, which is being produced by Legendary Pictures.

The film is based on a novel by Marcus Sakey and was adapted by David Koepp, reports Deadline, which first reported the news. It would be one of the first Legendary films released through its deal with Universal and production was supposed to start this summer.

Scheduling is the main reason for Smith leaving, notes Variety. Smith is currently working on Warner Bros.’ Focus, which is scheduled for release in February and that wouldn’t wrap by the time Brilliance production would start in in August.

Noomi Rapace is also supposed to star in the film, which Julius Onah is directing. Joe Roth, Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni are producing.

Brilliance is set in a world where a small portion of humanity is born with special powers and are known as “billiants.” The plot begins with the government asking for the help of one “brilliant” to stop another who is planning a civil war.

While Smith made a triumphant return to film with Men in Black 3, which made $624 million worldwide in 2012, last year’s After Earth was a domestic flop and made $243 million worldwide.

Focus with Margot Robbie opens on Feb. 27.

image courtesy of INFphoto.com

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