Landon Brooks Shared the Screen with Will Smith: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

The Day I Shared the Screen with Will Smith: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

By Landon Brooks

Some opportunities come along that change the direction of your life forever. For me, that moment happened when a simple phone call turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my career.

At the time, I was working on the television series Star, starring Queen Latifah. We were filming a red carpet scene when I noticed my phone continuously vibrating in my pocket. Since we were in the middle of filming, I couldn’t answer it. As soon as the director called “cut,” I stepped away and returned the call.

On the other end of the line was the casting department.

They asked me a simple question:

“Would you be willing to accept a role as a doctor in Bad Boys for Life?”

Without hesitation, I said yes.

At that moment, I had no idea just how special this opportunity would become.

Walking Onto the Set

After arriving on set, I went through the normal process of hair, makeup, and wardrobe before joining a small group of actors waiting for instructions. A short time later, a member of the production team invited me to attend a first-team rehearsal.

Anyone who has worked in film knows that first-team rehearsals are significant. They typically involve the principal cast and are an opportunity to block scenes before cameras begin rolling. I knew this was going to be important—but I still had no idea who I would be working with.

As we headed down the elevator toward the set, someone looked at me and smiled.

“Are you ready?”

I smiled back and confidently replied,

“Yes.”

Meeting Will Smith

A few moments later, everything changed.

Around the corner came Will Smith.

Just as audiences have seen for decades, he walked in smiling, full of energy, dancing and bringing positivity everywhere he went. His genuine personality immediately put everyone at ease.

He walked over, shook my hand, introduced himself, and asked my name.

Inside, I was overwhelmed with excitement.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many talented actors, but meeting Will Smith was a moment I’ll never forget.

Lights, Camera… Action

As the crew prepared the cameras, I finally realized what my role would be.

Will Smith’s character had been shot…

…and I was the doctor trying to save his life.

We filmed the scene, and after one take, Will turned to me with a question that caught me by surprise.

“Is this how you would actually do it in real life?”

I answered honestly.

“Yes—but I’d probably use a little more force.”

Without hesitation, he smiled and replied,

“Then let’s do it the way you would really do it. I want to feel the experience.”

He even asked me to explain what his character should realistically be doing during the procedure.

For a brief moment, I found myself doing something I never imagined.

Here I was—a young man from Alabama—helping coach one of Hollywood’s biggest stars through a medical scene.

It was surreal.

We spent several hours filming together, and before we wrapped, Will thanked me for sharing my medical knowledge to help make the scene feel authentic.

That simple gesture meant more than words can express.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

As I left the set that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about everything that had happened.

The experience reminded me that every audition, every long day, every sacrifice, and every dream had led me to this incredible moment.

Driving home on Interstate 20, I became overwhelmed with gratitude.

I pulled myself together just long enough to call my mother.

When I told her I had just finished filming a scene with Will Smith, she could hardly believe it.

Neither could I.

More Than a Movie

Following the experience, several media outlets interviewed me about my time on the production and what it meant to work on such an iconic film.

To celebrate the movie’s release, I rented an entire theater at Quintard Mall in Alabama, not far from where I first began my creative journey as a photographer.

Friends, family, and members of the community came together to watch the premiere.

Seeing so many familiar faces supporting a dream that had once seemed impossible was one of the most rewarding moments of my life.

Never Stop Dreaming

Looking back, Bad Boys for Life was about far more than appearing in a movie.

It was proof that opportunities often arrive when you least expect them.

One phone call.

One “yes.”

One moment of preparation meeting opportunity.

Every experience along the way helped prepare me for that day, and every step since has continued to shape my journey.

If there’s one message I hope people take away from my story, it’s this:

Never give up on your dreams.

Don’t allow anyone to convince you that your goals are too big or your background is too small.

Whether you’re from a small town or a major city, your determination, work ethic, and willingness to keep showing up can open doors you never imagined.

Dream boldly.

Work relentlessly.

Stay humble.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to become the best version of yourself.

You never know when the next phone call could change your life forever.