The stunt actor had a terrible accident in the filming of I Am Legend!
Watch Our video Of The Week
While filming Will Smith’s post-apocalyptic film I Am Legend, a well-known stunt performer had her worst injury to date.
Even if you weren’t aware of Kimberly Shannon Murphy at the time, chances are good that you’ve seen her in action-packed films.
Among many other films, she has performed as a stunt double for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Marvel’s Most Wanted, and of course, I Am Legend.
She has performed numerous stunt doubles for Cameron Diaz and Uma Thurman and has had some horrific career-suffering knocks and bruises.
“My worst injury was on I Am Legend,” Kimberly told LADbible. “I was doing a descender out of a window.”
As to Kimberly’s explanation, a “descender” is a stunt in which a person is fastened to a wire, leaps into the air, and is halted many feet before reaching the ground, preventing them from hitting it.
But things didn’t exactly go as planned on the set of I Am Legend, which Brits can now see on Netflix.
She said: “My wire didn’t catch me, I fell probably 20 feet.
“We went out the window, so the glass had already hit the ground. And when I fell, I fell in to the glass. And so my legs kind of came up over my head. I kind of just face-planted into the glass.
“My body was fine. It was my face that just got completely shredded up. So I had probably 60 stitches in my face at hospital, but I stayed at work and finished most of my day first.”
And it turns out Will is exactly like you’d expect him to be.
“He’s exactly the same person,” Kimberly said. “And he’s super nice. He’s one of my favourite actors that I’ve worked with.
“He’s just so kind and so great to everybody and appreciative of the crew.”
But, does he really do his own stunts?
“Um, you know, it’s always interesting. So my husband doubled Tom Cruise for 11 years. So it’s really interesting when actors say that, because some of them do, you know, some of them do as much as they can do, some are more physical than others, for sure.
“Some just don’t do any at all. And they don’t care and don’t want to, but others want to be more involved.
“Like Cameron [Diaz] always wants to be more involved. Like she would want to throw a punch if she could.
“But when it comes to falling through stuff, and doing the bigger things, honestly, Tom is the only one that I’ve actually seen do that.”
After working as an acrobat for a firm akin to Cirque du Soleil, Murphy turned to stunt work. She first gained recognition as Uma Thurman’s double on My Super Ex-Girlfriend.
Despite having worked on several very large-scale films, Kimberly believes that smaller films might often be riskier due to the amount of preparation that goes into higher-budget pictures.
You may remember her from Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’s climactic fight scene, in which Madisen Beaty’s character Katie (the redhead) has her face crushed against a phone.
Only when it came to having her face smashed in that was Kimberly too.
The entire scenario, including the outside and inside shots, took around three weeks to shoot. The rehearsal phase, which included learning how to fight a massive pit bull, took an incredible four months.
Kimberly said: “I did all of the face smashing.
“We did that for real. It was a breakaway phone. So, it was like an old phone where you kind of hang up and has those two things coming out an old kind of payphone type thing.
“So those two bits coming out were [made from] foam, but the phone was actually a phone. They kind of, change the insides. And then they score it. So they kind of pre-cut it. And then we just did it for real.”
She says the movie was a ‘dream come true’ to be a part of.
“Just being on set was so different than anything I’ve ever experienced.
“Quentin just works in a certain way. He keeps the crew that’s shooting really small. He hand writes all of his shot lists. So that was really cool.
“We would get that in the beginning of the day and see what we were going to be shooting.
“And it was just really cool to see him work as a filmmaker. I just had never worked with a director like him before.”
All We Know About I Am Legend 2!
Will Smith earned his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most captivating and dependable actors when he played the human protagonist in “I Am Legend” in 2007. The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where most humans have been wiped out or turned into vampiric mutants known as Darkseekers, based on the 1954 Richard Matheson novel of the same name. The film follows Smith’s character, Dr. Robert Neville, as he strives to find a cure for the disease that changed the planet and, hopefully, connect with other human survivors in an overrun Manhattan.
When it was released in December 2007, the picture was a box office triumph, grossing over $585 million worldwide (according to BoxOfficeMojo), and receiving generally positive reviews from critics and casual viewers alike. The film presently has equal 68 percent audience and Tomatometer scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Will Smith is scheduled to star in a “I Am Legend” sequel more than a decade after the first film’s release, but he isn’t the only renowned actor tied to the project.
Here’s all we know about “I Am Legend 2” so far.
I Am Legend 2 will unite two major movie stars
Google Images
Will Smith has signed on to act in and executive produce a sequel to “I Am Legend,” according to Deadline. Smith appeared to corroborate the news on Instagram shortly after the article was published, posting an image of the post-apocalyptic Manhattan from the first film. In addition to Smith, the sequel will feature Michael B. Jordan of “Black Panther” and “Creed,” who will also executive produce the picture with his co-star.
The Jordan and Smith-led sequel will be written by Akiva Goldsman, who also co-wrote the 2007 adaptation of “I Am Legend.” As of this writing, it’s unclear whether “I Am Legend” director Francis Lawrence will return to direct the sequel, or if the sequel will be directed by someone else. The narrative of the film is also unknown at this time, and there is no scheduled release date.
Smith hesitated to give any major plot specifics when asked about the revelation in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, but dubbed the film’s concept “a really, really cool notion.” “It was one of those [movies] I was going to leave alone,” he added. However, Smith admitted he quickly reconsidered once he actually heard the exact pitch for the sequel. “But that might work,” Smith said. “I think we can do that.”
With two huge actors like Jordan and Smith attached to the project, it’s safe to anticipate that additional information and updates about “I Am Legend 2” will be released soon.
Will Dr. Neville return?
One of the most eagerly anticipated items for “I Am Legend” fans is how Smith will appear in the sequel, especially given his character’s apparent death at the end of the first film. There are currently no narrative specifics for the picture, but that, of course, provides plenty of space for speculation.
Dr. Neville might be returned to his pre-apocalyptic or mid-apocalyptic image using a combination of flashbacks and de-aging technologies. There’s probably still a lot to say about the first three years after the Krippin Virus broke out. As a result of his role in 2019’s “Gemini Man,” in which Smith’s character battles a younger version of himself, Smith is no stranger to Hollywood’s de-aging treatments (via IMDb). However, this may be one of the more predictable approaches that writers might take.
Another option for bringing Dr. Neville back to the big screen is an alternate ending to the 2007 film. Dr. Neville sacrifices himself in the theatrical version of “I Am Legend” in order to rescue a cure for humanity’s future. On the surface, this sight appears to be very clear. Dr. Neville is deceased by the end of the theatrical cut. However, die-hard fans of the film will recall a different ending included on the DVD (which can be viewed on YouTube).
The alternate ending is notable for its tighter adherence to the original material, in addition to being popular online (via CinemaBlend). Rather than ending with a dramatic sacrifice, this finale allows Dr. Neville to make peace with the Darkseekers he has been attempting to “treat” for so long. Dr. Neville abandons his research and home after realising that his experiments have turned him into a monster. Dr. Neville makes peace with his new life by joining a community of human survivors in Vermont.
What impact will Will Smith’s slap have on I Am Legend 2?
By the time the Oscars in 2022 rolled around, “I Am Legend 2” was still in the early stages of production. Will Smith, as everyone knows, punched Chris Rock at the event after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her alopecia. Many of Smith’s next projects have been placed on hold, including some that were already in post-production, so how will this affect “I Am Legend 2?”
Nothing has been said regarding the sequel’s status as of this writing (via People). When Deadline originally reported on the film’s development, no director had been attached. In the aftermath of the slap, it’s uncertain whether anyone will want to direct the project, but it’s probable that this production will be put on hold for a while until the slap’s heat subsides.
Will Smith Releases Statement After Jada’s Split Revelation
Smith has finally broken his silence.
Get ready for a sizzling glimpse into the whirlwind world of Hollywood power couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith! The Smiths are notorious for keeping us on our toes with their relationship revelations and now there’s more!
Will Smith decided to add a playful twist to the never-ending buzz surrounding his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith. This isn’t your average “official statement” – it’s sure to get people talking!
Will, the former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, appears on Instagram with a mischievous glint in his eye. It’s like he’s about to drop a bombshell, and he’s got the whole world hanging on his every word. But, hold your breath, because as he’s about to share his deepest feelings, he’s suddenly overtaken by a sneeze! The camera zooms out we zoom out of the world!
Watch the clip below:
This viral video spectacle comes hot on the heels of a jaw-dropping confession from Jada herself. She spilled the tea to People magazine, revealing that the dynamic duo had been living separate lives for a whopping seven years.
It’s an unexpected twist that sent shockwaves through Hollywood and social media, leaving fans and gossip enthusiasts hanging onto every word.
But that’s not all! In a passionate speech that will tug at your heartstrings, Will Smith stood before an audience, his queen, Jada Pinkett Smith, by his side. With unwavering determination, he vowed to be her rock and support her through life’s tumultuous journey.
The couple was front and center, united as ever, at an event for Jada’s new memoir, held at the iconic Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. As Will declared, “Jada is the best friend I have ever had on this planet. I am going to show up and support her for the rest of my life.”
With the Smiths, the drama never ends, and it’s a story that keeps on giving. Their relationship, marked by its twists and turns, sneezes and heartfelt declarations, is one we can’t help but follow with bated breath.
Who knows what the next revelation will be.
Jada Pinkett Smith Says She’ll ‘Never’ Divorce Will Smith Despite Being Separated For Seven Years
Despite being separated for seven years, Jada Pinkett Smith has stated that she has no intentions of divorcing Will Smith. This revelation, which surprised the showbiz world, comes more than two decades after their wedding in 1997. The news coincides with the upcoming release of Jada’s new book, “Worthy,” which is set to debut next week.
Jada opened up about her first encounter with Will in Hollywood, sharing the story of their initial interaction. After Will split from his first wife, Sheree Zampino, he called Jada and inquired, “Who are you going out with?” Upon learning she was single, he boldly declared, “Well, you’re going out with me now.” Jada, reflecting on that moment, said, “Can you believe I fell for that? Will called me up one day and said, ‘Hit me when you get to L.A.,’ and then… click. And I was like, ‘Whoa. Okay.’ And so when I got to L.A., I called him. I haven’t been able to get rid of him since.”
Regarding their relationship’s current status, Jada shared, “We’re still figuring it out. We’ve been doing some really heavy-duty work together. We just have deep love for each other, and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us.” Jada also expressed the support of her children, Jaden and Willow, as well as Trey, whom Will shares with Zampino. She highlighted the deep sense of self-acceptance her children have taught her and the unconditional love they have for both her and their dad.
Even though they’ve been separated for years, Jada made it clear that she will “never divorce” Will. She explained in an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Today show that they faced challenges in their marriage, leading to their separation in 2016. However, despite considering divorce, Jada was determined to never break the promise she made to Will that there would never be a reason for them to divorce. She stated firmly, “We will work through whatever. And I just haven’t been able to break that promise.”
The full interview with Jada can be seen on NBC on Friday, October 13, at 8 pm ET.
Chris Rock Breaks The Internet And Slaps Back At Will Smith
Chris Rock became the center of a Hollywood scandal last year at the 2022 Oscar Award Ceremony when he was famously slapped live on stage by fellow actor (and oscar winner) Will Smith. Sick of hearing about the notorious slap Rock has made one thing clear….it HURT!
During his new live Netflix comedy special, Rock, 58, spoke extensively about the event at the 2022 Academy Awards. “You know what people say, they say, ‘words hurt,'” Rock says in his show. “Anybody that say words hurt has never been punched in the face.”
WILL SMITH SAYS HE STILL LOSES SLEEP OVER OSCARS SLAP
Will Smith has later claimed that his actions were the result of “bottled” wrath and despite the slap he still sent on to win his Oscar for King Richard.
“I’m going to try to do the show without offending anyone,” Rock said, in a nod to the Smith altercation. “Because you never know who might get triggered. [America} is so screwed up right now if the Russians came here right now, half the country would go ‘let’s hear them out’.”
During the stand up show, which runs for 1 hour 9 minutes, Rock focused on many different topics such as politics, woke culture and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Discussing the claims that Meghan faced racism from the Royal Family, Rock hit back with saying “Some of that sh-t she went through was not racism. It was just some in-law s—. Sometimes it’s just some in-law sh-t”
BOOKSHOP NAILS WINDOW DISPLAY FOR PRINCE HARRY’S MEMOIR SPARE
But knowing audiences wanted to hear about his altercation with Will Smith, Chris Rock of course kept his best joke till last.
“People are like, ‘Did it hurt?’ It still hurts! I got Summertime ringing in my ears,” began Rock of course referring to Smith’s single from 1991. Referencing the title of his Netflix special ‘Selective Outrage’ Rock says he believes Smith showed this at the Oscars and that the outrage displayed was from Jada and Will’s relationship problems rather than the joke made by the comedian.
WHY WILL SMITH HIT CHRIS ROCK AT THE OSCARS
The acting power couple has been open about their relationships ups and downs, even going so far as to publicly discuss their issues on Jada’s Facebook Watch programme Red Table Talk.
“We’ve all been cheated on, everybody in here been cheated on, none of us have ever been interviewed by the person that cheated on us on television,” Rock exclaimed. “She hurt him way more than he hurt me.”
Social media erupted with comments, with many commenting that comedians like Rock frequently laugh through their suffering although many felt he went too far when making joke about how he supported the slave owners in Will Smith’s most recent movie, Emancipation.
WILL SMITH FINALLY APOLOGISES TO CHRIS ROCK 2 MONTHS AFTER THE ACADEMY AWARDS
Rock finished the show by address his reasoning for not retaliating live on the Oscar’s show and fired back with “I got parents! Because I was raised!” Rock said. “And you know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of white people.”
They often say revenge is a dish best served cold and Chris Rock has definitely served it with this comedy Netflix special!
