Is Will Smith Hurting for Money? His New Deal Might Prove the Rumors Wrong
In 2025, Will Smith is staging what many are calling a full-blown creative resurgence. After nearly two decades away from the music scene, he dropped Based on a True Story, his first new studio album since 2005, using the project to dig into more personal material, reflect on past controversies, and reassert himself as an artist. Unfortunately, rumors are swirling that he and Jada Pinkett Smith might be in financial trouble following the infamous Chris Rock slap. So, are the rumors true? Here’s why his new deal with Paramount might prove them wrong.
Will Smith’s new deal with Paramount might prove he’s doing just fine with money
In 2025, Will Smith made his much-anticipated return to music with Based on a True Story, his first studio album in two decades. He performed headline concerts across Europe, reconnected with fans, and revived his reputation. However, the comeback hasn’t been without bumps. A promotional video shared during the tour sparked backlash when viewers claimed the crowd shots included AI-generated images. Will later leaned into the moment, posting a tongue-in-cheek follow-up video featuring an audience of AI-generated cats, which some saw as a self-aware move to defuse criticism.
Aside from Will’s music, he and Jada Pinkett Smith also caused a stir after stepping out together for the first time in 10 months. The couple reportedly no longer lives together. Some reports suggested that Will and Jada plan to resolve their differences and get back together for the sake of their finances. Some sources alleged that Will’s money took a hit following his infamous Oscars slap.
So, is Will really hurting for money, thus diving headfirst into the music industry and getting on Jada’s good side? This likely isn’t the case, especially after his recent deal with Paramount. In September 2025, Will and his production company, Westbrook, inked a first-look, multi-picture deal with Paramount Pictures. The agreement is focused on “four-quadrant” theatrical films, according to Deadline. These projects aim to appeal across family, adult, action, and global audiences and will provide Will with starring roles in several of them.
What is Will Smith’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Will Smith’s net worth is estimated at approximately $350 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This substantial fortune has been amassed over decades through his multifaceted career in acting, music, and production. Notably, Will earned $25 million for his role in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), contributing significantly to his wealth.
In addition to his film earnings, Will’s production company, Westbrook Inc., has been instrumental in expanding his financial portfolio. His venture with Paramount Pictures not only enhances his income but also solidifies his position in the entertainment industry.
Despite Will’s incredible net worth, sources told RadarOnline that the Fresh Prince actor and Jada Pinkett Smith have been downsizing their properties to save cash. A source said the couple listed a Woodland Hills home in March 2025 for $2 million. They also sold their five-bedroom Maryland mansion for $795,000.
“As rich as Will is, it’s getting harder to keep up with the enormous bills — especially with them not living together,” a source alleged to the publication.
The ‘Bad Boys’ actor admitted that money doesn’t buy happiness
In mid-2025, The School of Hard Knocks asked Will Smith whether money buys happiness.
“Hell no,” Will answered. “Actually, there’s an amount of money that, once you pass it, it buys misery. Once you have a certain amount of money, you can change people’s lives. So, that’s really all people can think about. It’s difficult to make new friendships at certain financial points, right? In America, somewhere around $1 million a year, it starts going the other way, where it’s more problems beyond that. And you start getting into really an attack zone.”
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