In a lighthearted and unexpected revelation, *Men in Black* director Barry Sonnenfeld recently shared a memorable behind-the-scenes story about Hollywood megastar Will Smith on Kelly Ripa’s podcast, *Let’s Talk Off Camera*. The filmmaker disclosed that during the production of the 1997 sci-fi hit, an incident involving Smith's flatulence caused an on-set disruption so significant that the set had to be evacuated for a full three hours. This amusing incident unfolded during the filming of a crucial car scene, where both Smith and his co-star Tommy Lee Jones were enclosed in a small, hermetically sealed pod.
According to Sonnenfeld, the moment began innocently enough when he gave the signal to roll the cameras. However, things quickly took an unexpected turn when Smith suddenly apologized, shouting, "Oh Jesus, so sorry. Tommy, so sorry. Baz, get the ladder!" Jones, known for his calm and composed nature, reassuringly responded, "That’s fine, Will. No worries, Will. Don’t worry, Will," as if accustomed to such mishaps. The exact cause of the commotion wasn’t immediately clear to Sonnenfeld or the rest of the crew, but soon enough, it became evident that Smith had inadvertently created an uncomfortable situation inside the confined space.
Sonnenfeld, chuckling while recounting the incident, explained how the crew rushed over with a ladder to help both actors escape the sealed pod as quickly as possible. What followed was an impromptu evacuation of the stage, which lasted for an impressive three hours. “We had to clear the entire set,” Sonnenfeld noted with humor, adding that, despite the situation, Smith remained apologetic and gracious throughout.
Reflecting on the incident, Sonnenfeld jokingly described Smith as a "farter," stating, "Some people are, and some people aren’t. And trust me, you really don’t want to be trapped in a very small, sealed space with Will Smith’s fart." He added that even outside of work, sharing close quarters with the actor after such an event might be something to avoid, quipping that you probably wouldn’t want to be sitting next to him at a place like the Disney ranch, either.
The amusing anecdote highlights the unpredictable and often humorous nature of film production, where even big-budget blockbusters like *Men in Black* are not immune to unexpected interruptions. Sonnenfeld’s story gives fans a glimpse into the camaraderie and lighthearted moments that can occur during intense shooting schedules, offering a reminder that, despite their stardom, actors like Smith and Jones deal with very human experiences—sometimes with hilariously memorable consequences.
*Men in Black*, released in 1997, became a massive success, grossing $584 million worldwide and securing its place as the third-highest-grossing movie of that year. The film, which starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as a pair of secret agents protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats, was lauded for its blend of action, comedy, and sci-fi elements. It was pivotal in catapulting Smith to international superstardom, while Jones’s dry humor and gruff demeanor provided the perfect foil to Smith's energetic charm.
Sonnenfeld’s recollection of this behind-the-scenes blooper offers a humorous, humanizing perspective on the film’s production, giving audiences a peek into the unplanned moments that happen even while creating a box office hit. Smith’s good-natured apology and Jones’s calm response highlight the professionalism and sense of humor shared by both actors, even when something as silly as a fart turns a scene upside down.
The story has since become a talking point among fans, who are always eager to hear about the more candid, humorous aspects of their favorite stars’ lives, proving that even the biggest names in Hollywood aren’t immune to the occasional embarrassing moment. With *Men in Black* remaining a beloved classic and Will Smith continuing to be a global icon, stories like these only add to the charm and legend of the film’s enduring legacy.
