Will Smith to play Iraq War veteran in thriller ‘Sugar Bandits’: report

Actor Will Smith has added another exciting project to his already impressive list of upcoming films. He will star in an action thriller called “Sugar Bandits,” based on novelist and screenwriter Chuck Hogan’s novel “The Devil in Exile.” The film revolves around an Iraq War veteran who joins forces with other veterans to engage in the drug trade in Boston. Hogan, known for “The Town” and “The Strain,” penned the script that promises a gripping, intense story. Responsible for global distribution rights for the film are AGC International and CAA Media Finance, who will present the film to potential buyers at the upcoming EFM.

Smith will reportedly produce the film through Westbrook Studios along with Jon Mohn, with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing production. According to Variety , Stuart Ford will serve as producer for AGC Studios, which is providing financing, while Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.

This project adds to Smith’s already long list of credits after recently starring in Antoine Fuqua’s Emancipation , which made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival for its partnership with Apple TV+ .

However, despite the hype, the film Liberation failed to make a significant impact upon its release. Smith, who is also involved in the upcoming fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise and the sequel to zombie blockbuster I Am Legend, will reprise his role from the original 2007 film and use his character’s Surviving DVD alternative ending.

Sugar Bandits was originally announced in 2013 with Universal Pictures and has been in development for some time. This marks Smith’s first major film announcement in the indie market since her big moment at the 2022 Oscars. Smith is currently represented by CAA, while Hogan is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment.

The 55-year-old American actor and rapper is also known for famous films such as the Men in Black series, Independence Day, Ali, The Pursuit of Happiness, etc., which have earned him Oscars and gold medals. Ball Award for Best Actor Nomination.

Smith received an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance as Richard Williams in King Richard (2021).