Will Smith: “I had to change my voice, transform my body” for Ali

22 years ago, the star presented this boxing film by Michael Mann in Première. Flashback, on the occasion of a special evening dedicated to the champion on Arte.

At a time when the whole world has its eyes fixed on the Olympic Games, organized this year in France, Arte will offer a special Sunday evening Mohammed Ali.

In addition to rebroadcasting Alithe biopic of this great boxer produced in 2002 by Michael Mannat 9:05 p.m., the channel will offer just after a very complete portrait of this man who marked the history of sport. Far from the usual format of around fifty minutes, this documentary by Ken Burns, initially released in 2021, is divided into four parts, each lasting between 1h30 and 2h. It is already visible in its entirety in replayfree on the channel's website.

Mohamed Ali: Ken Burns' documentary knocks us out in 4 rounds [critique]

Première recommends this program placed under the sign of sport and surpassing oneself. Here is what was written in 2002 on the performance of Will Smith in our pages, as well as comments from the actor's time.

Stepping into the shoes of one of the greatest boxing champions in history under the direction of Michael Mann, the actor delivers a remarkable performance. A true performance, Will Smith's work was praised by critics from First :

“Beyond the physical transformation, the actor managed to capture Muhammad Ali's charisma, gait, diction as well as his pugilistic style..”

Impressive physical transformation. Will Smith gained 15 kilos of muscle to play Ali, spending hours in the weight room.He began running at altitude in Colorado months before the scheduled shooting date and continued when the production postponed the date, afraid of taking on the financial risk of the film alone. And he worked tirelessly to be able to emulate Ali's flamboyant style, both in and out of the ring.“, the archives of First.

“It is undoubtedly the most difficult role I have ever played.Will Smith explained at the time. I had to change my voice, transform my body, learn to understand the character. But it's the roles that everyone thinks are not for you that bring you the most satisfaction..”

New Muhammad Ali Biopic Coming to Prime Video

Director Michael Mann, for his part, highlighted Will Smith's selflessness:

“Will is a perfect gentleman. It's hard enough preparing for fights like the ones we filmed. But when, after all that preparation, you have to act out big dramatic scenes, it's really hard. Will never complained, never said he was tired, never asked for a scene to be postponed until the next day. He would have collapsed rather than ask for a break..”

From The Greatest to Ali, the best movies about Muhammad Ali