Will Smith says his May 2021 viral photo caused him to lose 13 kilograms for his role in "Emancipation."
The 54-year-old actor sat down with his three children - Trey, Jaden and Willow during Wednesday's episode of "Red Table Talk" to discuss how playing the role of an ex-slave named Peter "absolutely changed" his life.
"You guys can remember I posted the photo where I wasn't in good shape ... "Father's body," he said. "Photography was the beginning of the preparation to lose weight for Peter. I was probably 102 pounds when I started filming and got to 85 kilograms."
The film, which is based on a true story, documents Peter's journey through louisiana marshes after he was stabbed to death on a plantation.
Although Will wanted to lose weight to feel better about himself, he also knew how important drastic weight loss was for the film's context. "For me, physics is a big part of what impersions people," he continued.
In addition to dieting well and exercising for two hours a day, Will said the difficult filming conditions helped him lose a few extra pounds. "Actually being out in the marshes ... It's hot, it's hard," he explained.
