While Will Smith appears to be one of the most comedic celebrities in Hollywood due to his quick wit and humor, his Men In Black co-star Tommy Lee Jones proved to be the complete opposite. Taking his work extremely seriously, Jones has delivered award-winning roles and iconic performances. However, when it comes to film promotion and interviews he can be quite difficult to work with.
Refusing to engage with reporters and showing no interest in interviews, Tommy Lee Jones attracted speculations of retirement and hatred for his behavior. Even Will Smith’s Men In Black director Barry Sonnenfeld discussed how Jones struggled with his role due to his lack of comedy.
Tommy Lee Jones’ Struggle With Comedy In Will Smith’s Men In Black
Tommy Lee Jones has a decorated filmography, full of award-winning movies and iconic performances throughout his career. Often appearing in serious roles and dramatic movies, the actor evidently faced issues while appearing in the Barry Sonnenfeld-directed and Will Smith-starring Men In Black franchise.
Failing to cooperate and come up with comedic delivery and timing, Tommy Lee Jones struggled with his performance in Men In Black, following his countless serious roles. Sonnenfeld shared with Insider that the acclaimed actor failed to be impressed by Will Smith‘s comedy and humor while shooting the $1.9B franchise.
“It took a long time for him to feel comfortable with it. I don’t think he ever did. I don’t think he understood that comedy. In fact, I really sat on his performance. I never wanted him to acknowledge anything Will said was funny or was a joke.”
Apparently, Tommy Lee Jones wasn’t even the initial choice for the role of gruff Agent K. Even Sonnenfeld had no idea of Jones being cast as a part of Men In Black, as the role of Agent K was supposed to be played by Clint Eastwood. Further, the entire process became difficult with Jones, as he often arrived with seriousness and even forced major rewrites to the script.
Tommy Lee Jones Had A Hard Time During Men In Black Promotion
When it comes to working with Tommy Lee Jones, it can be quite difficult, as the actor often carries extreme seriousness wherever he goes. Adapting to his serious roles even in real life, Jones is claimed to be one of the hardest actors to adjust to in Hollywood, as he does not conform to the industry’s standards.
While the actor was considered a complete nightmare on the set of Will Smith’s Men In Black, he was similarly difficult during the interviews. Although the Men In Black franchise became a success, the promotional part was quite tricky for Tommy Lee Jones. Finding interviews and movie promotions frustrating, Jones refused to cooperate even during Men In Black press interviews.
Refusing to give a firm answer, the actor made it difficult for everyone present. Simply replying “haven’t thought about it. No, I haven’t thought about it,” to most questions, Jones shut down the reporters with his lack of enthusiasm. Giving out harsh responses, the actor slammed reporters by saying, “Do you really think I sit around and ask myself questions like ‘How does success feel?’”.
Although Tommy Lee Jones didn’t cooperate during interviews and promotions, the Men In Black franchise excelled despite all odds. Becoming a billion-dollar success, Will Smith’s movie earned great appreciation among its audience.
Watch the Men In Black franchise on Amazon Video
Source: Insider
