Director Barry Sonnenfeld disclosed a behind-the-scenes incident from the set of the 1997 blockbuster “Men in Black”. The filmmaker recounted how a bout of flatulence from star Will Smith led to a three-hour evacuation of the entire film set, providing a humorous glimpse into the less glamorous side of movie-making.
The incident in question occurred during the filming of a crucial scene involving Will Smith and his co-star Tommy Lee Jones. Sonnenfeld, speaking on the popular podcast “Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa” on October 1, 2024, painted a vivid picture of the events that unfolded.
Will and Tommy were in this transforming car,” Sonnenfeld explained. “For the shot to work, they had to be hermetically sealed inside a pod. There are locks to prevent it from opening and falling.”
What happened next was unexpected, to say the least. As Sonnenfeld called “Action!”, he heard Will Smith’s voice from inside the pod: “Oh Jesus, so sorry. Tommy, so sorry. Baz, get the ladder.”
Tommy Lee Jones, known for his stoic on-screen presence, reportedly handled the situation with remarkable composure. Sonnenfeld recounted Jones’s response: “That’s fine, Will. No worries, Will. Don’t worry, Will.”
The director’s initial confusion quickly gave way to understanding as the situation unfolded. “We race the ladder over, Tommy reaches his leg out as the ladder is coming over, and races down the stairs,” Sonnenfeld said, barely containing his laughter as he relived the moment.
It was at this point that Sonnenfeld dropped the bombshell that has since sent ripples through social media and entertainment news circles. “What happened was, Will Smith is a farter,” the director stated matter-of-factly. “It’s just some people are. And you really don’t want to be inside a very small hermetically sealed space with a Will Smith fart.”
The director’s candid revelation has sparked a mixture of amusement and disbelief among fans and industry insiders alike.
The impact of Smith’s unexpected ‘air contribution’ was significant enough to necessitate a three-hour evacuation of the entire film set. This delay, while inconvenient, has now become the stuff of Hollywood legend.
“You don’t even want to be sitting next to him at the Disney ranch,” Sonnenfeld added, hinting that this may not have been an isolated incident.
The revelation has sparked a flurry of reactions across the entertainment industry. Celebrity gossip columnist Mariah Thompson commented, “This just goes to show that even A-list stars have their, shall we say, human moments. It’s oddly refreshing.
Fans have taken to social media to express their amusement. Twitter user @MIBFanatic wrote, “Now we know the real reason why they wear those suits. Built-in air filtration!”
Despite the on-set challenges, “Men in Black” went on to become a massive success. The film was the third-highest-grossing movie of 1997, raking in an impressive $584 million globally. This success led to multiple sequels and cemented Will Smith’s status as a box office draw.
Film critic Robert Chen reflects on the film’s legacy: “It’s fascinating to think about what goes on behind the scenes of our favorite movies. This incident, while humorous, doesn’t detract from the film’s quality or Smith’s performance. If anything, it adds to the lore surrounding the movie.”
As of the time of this report, Will Smith has not commented on Sonnenfeld’s revelation. The actor, known for his charismatic personality and openness with fans, has remained uncharacteristically silent on the matter.
His representatives, when reached for comment, stated, “Mr. Smith is currently focused on his upcoming projects and has no comment on past production anecdotes.
While the incident has provided much amusement, it also serves as a reminder of the very human aspects of filmmaking. Behind the glamour and special effects, movies are made by real people who, like all of us, have their awkward moments.
As Barry Sonnenfeld wrapped up his anecdote on the podcast, he reflected on the incident with a mixture of exasperation and fondness. “These are the moments you never forget as a director,” he chuckled. They don’t teach you how to handle this in film school!”
The “Men in Black” flatulence incident, while undoubtedly embarrassing for those involved at the time, has now become a cherished part of Hollywood folklore. It reminds us that even in the world of intergalactic agents and alien encounters, sometimes the biggest challenges come from the most unexpected and human sources.
