When WILD WILD WEST Almost Derailed Will Smith’s Career

Wicki- Wicki- Wild Wild West. Director Barry Sonnenfeld’s Wild Wild West was seen as the sure fire hit of the summer of 1999 (well, alongside Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace). Will Smith, July 4th Weekend and a bucket load of CGI. The film also stars Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh and Salma Hayek.  

The update of the 1960s TV series was plagued with problems (and producer Jon Peters demands for a giant spider) and the budget hit $170 million, which (for 1999) was huge. Critically mauled and a box office disappointment when it was released, it nearly derailed Smith’s career and his friendship with director Barry Sonnenfeld. In the cold light of day, it’s a guilty watch – and really, it’s not as bad as it could have been.

Wild Wild West grossed $113 million at the US box office and $222 million globally in 1999.