Will Smith just got viral. The 54-year-old has recently started being active on social media. He was lying low since the Oscar slapgate incident that attracted a lot of criticism. The actor even went through counseling to better himself after the experience, before making public appearances again.

The Apple TV+ movie Emancipation that was working on also came to a halt due to his controversy, but eventually set a release date of 9 December 2022. The much-awaited movie has a budget of $120 million, so a lot is at stake for everyone involved in the project. But just as the screening came near, Will Smith had to drop out of it.

Why did Will Smith miss Emancipation?

The screening of Emancipation finally happened. But Will Smith had to stand out for this one, and he gave a rather light reaction for the reason. In an Instagram post, the actor uploaded a video with the caption, “Throwback to when I went viral.” In the video, he can be seen swapping his nose with a swab rather hastily before putting it to the test. The result turned out positive because of which he had to miss the screening.

He was planning to surprise the audience at the movie’s screening. But as a rule, everyone was required to take a test. The I am Legend actor showed no signs of illness or any other COVID symptoms, hence, his results came as a surprise to everyone. However, that did not stop him from treating fans. He still surprised them through a Zoom call. This is the first movie of his to be released since the Oscars incident, which nearly cost him his career.

Even though Emancipation could be making rounds for the Oscars, the actor has been banned by the Academy for 10 years, so he may not be able to attend for receiving his own award. The movie is based on Gordon, a former slave who freed himself from a plantation. The photo of his whipped back was clicked by a photographer around 1863. It represented the life and suffering of slaves back then.

What do you think of Will Smith being COVID-positive? Comment your thoughts.