Will Smith took a real punch while filming the 2001’s Ali under the direction of Michael Mann. I was leaning back and my trainer was trying to get me to get the angle of my spine forward. And in this second I just was like, you know, ‘Commit!’ And I committed and leaned forward, and almost as an instinctual reaction, Michael Bentt threw a right hand.
I saw it coming at the last second and I put my head down, and he caught me with a right hand right on top of my head, but it didn’t knock my head back. It compressed my neck down onto my spine and I felt an electrical shock go down the back of both arms to my elbows. And all I could think was, ‘Where the f–k are my keys? Where are my car keys?’ You know when you’re a kid and you do the nine volt battery [against the tongue]? I had that, like an electrical taste in my mouth. And that was the hardest I’ve ever been hit on a movie set. That was a rough one.
A Challenging Scene from a Critically Praised Film
During his appearance on “Hot Ones” from the First We Feast YouTube channel, Smith opened up about this intense moment on set. 
The film Ali, which features Will Smith as the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, boasts many grounded, realistic fight sequences. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination despite the film’s mixed financial success. It grossed around $87.7 million worldwide against a budget exceeding $107 million, making it a commercial disappointment.
A Career Milestone Amidst Mixed Reviews
Following his roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bad Boys, Independence Day, and Men in Black, Smith experienced a major failure with Wild Wild West. However, Ali marked his comeback attempt. Despite its financial struggles, critics generally appreciated its strong narrative and Mann’s direction style. The film starts powerfully and engages viewers with key moments of Ali’s life.
Smith received an Oscar nomination for his role, although he lost to Denzel Washington for Training Day. Recalling his experience during filming and that powerful punch adds another layer to understanding his commitment to embodying such an iconic figure.
The Impact of Realism in Fight Scenes
The film’s production saw critical acclaim for its realistic depiction of fights. Michael Mann excels in creating movies that go beyond classic biopic tropes. As one review highlights: Through Mann’s unique visual style, and a narrative unburdened by sports biopic clichés, Ali is a singular and powerful film that begins on a thrilling note.
Despite not achieving commercial success, Smith’s recounting of being punched showcases the dedication actors often pour into their roles to bring authenticity.
Mann’s Approach Balancing Politics and Drama
Mann provided insights into his production approach: ‘IT’S a funny thing,’ says Michael Mann. ‘In Hollywood…all I’m talking about is politics…I have to remember to say, ‘Hey, wait, don’t forget it has some great fight scenes.’
This mirrors how Mann’s work often intersects deep character studies with sociopolitical undertones without sacrificing action—the perfect ethos for depicting Muhammad Ali’s complex life journey.
Follow Us
