Will Smith’s New Action Thriller Skips Theaters As Title And First Details Drop

Will Smith is clearly not tired of running from explosions just yet. Fresh off the huge box office haul of 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die,' the guy is sticking to his action hero roots. The twist this time? His next project drops the franchise baggage and skips theaters entirely.

Will Smith’s Next Move: 'Supermax'

So here's the rundown: Will Smith's new project is officially titled 'Supermax.' And yes, it's exactly what it sounds like—this thriller is all about crime and danger inside the world's most secure prison. If you’re getting flashbacks to every “locked in with the worst of the worst” movie ever made, you’re not alone.

The story? Smith plays one of two FBI agents sent in to look into a murder deep inside this fortress of a prison. We don’t know who’s playing the other agent yet, just that it’s a female role still waiting to be cast. Hopefully, someone who can keep up with Smith and the inevitable prison mayhem.

Who’s Pulling the Strings?

Directing duties go to David Gordon Green, who’s apparently taking a break from reanimating horror icons ('Halloween,' 'The Exorcist: Believer') to stage chaos behind bars. For him, 'Supermax' is about to be the biggest movie he’s tackled, at least on scale and budget.

As for the script, it's a team-up between David Weil and David J. Rosen. If those names sound familiar, they’ve been behind the likes of 'Hunters' and 'Invasion.' Like in most modern action movies, there’s also a busload of producers:

• Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman (producers)
• Will Smith and Adam Fishbach (also producing)
• David Weil and David J. Rosen again, but this time as executive producers
• Jonathan Glickman, Alexandra Loewy, Thom Zadra, Spencer Ela (executive producers)
• Natalie Laine Williams (associate producer)

If there were a prize for cramming the most producers onto a credits page, this one would be a contender.

Streaming Only — No Theatrical Release

Here’s the curveball: 'Supermax' is skipping theaters entirely. This one’s going direct to streaming—no word yet on which specific service, but don't expect to buy tickets for this at your local multiplex.

When’s It Coming?

Cameras are set to start rolling in mid-August. There’s no official release date yet—so, classic waiting game—but don’t hold your breath for 2024.

Why Now for Smith?

If you’re wondering why Smith would pivot to a non-franchise thriller and ditch the theatrical experience, here's a reminder: 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' just raked in over $400 million on a $100 million budget. The guy’s got options, clearly. Sometimes you cash in your blockbuster clout, and sometimes you want to shake things up — or at least see if you can do both at once.

'Supermax' finds Smith in 'uncharted territory'—his first non-franchise flick in years, and a rare big-budget action movie rolling out straight to streaming.

We’ll see if fighting crime in a locked-down prison is the next big thing—or just another movie for your watchlist.