Will Smith has been at the forefront of pop culture for over three decades- whether it is for topping the charts, breaking box office records, or being at the center of juicy controversies. And the streaming giant, Netflix, has made it possible for fans to relive the actor’s career without heading to the box office. From his superhero action film Suicide Squad to Bad Boys, which is currently the highest-rated title on Netflix, the OTT service has some of the best Will Smith movies in its library.

With Netflix’s monthly library cleanup coming, however, the platform will be giving the boot to one of his iconic films, which also played a role in a major pop culture moment.

Will Smith received his first Academy Award for his performance in the biographical sports drama King Richard. The movie was first brought to Netflix on April 24, three years after it was released. However, just four months into being in its new streaming home, Netflix is removing the 2021 movie from its catalog, as per What’s on Netflix’s new list of all the removals planned throughout August 2024. Despite being a critical success, the film was not without its share of drama.

The night Will Smith won his Oscar for King Richard was also the night he made headlines for smacking Chris Rock across the face. Since then, Smith has been banned from the Academy for ten years. Nonetheless, the 55-year-old is said to be doing everything in his power to lift the Academy banishment off him. However, his efforts might be might be in vain, according to an Academy insider.

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Earlier this month, Expert Paul N. J. Ottosson explained why Will Smith’s early Oscar return is a long shot.

Will Smith has been seemingly turning the tide with his blockbuster success, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and a surprising return to his musical roots. However, despite gradually winning over his fans, it seems his wish to be welcomed back to the Academy cannot be fulfilled just by delivering some box office hits. Former Oscar producer Paul N. J. Ottosson told the Mirror that the only way Smith can redeem himself in front of the Academy is through being genuinely apologetic.

Ottosson also praised Smith's Oscar-winning performance in King Richard at the premiere of Andrew Wakefield's film Protocol 7. "I think he did a fantastic job. And it's such a different character," said the Oscar voter about Smith's performance. Whether or not Smith makes a comeback to the Academy through his reported appeals, King Richard will be leaving Netflix as soon as August arrives.

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What do you think about Will Smith's King Richard leaving Netflix? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!