Will Smith's "Pole To Pole": Journey & Discovery - You Won't Believe This!
Could the man who once charmed the world now be the one to reveal its hidden secrets? Will Smith, the Academy Award-nominated actor and producer, is set to embark on an unprecedented journey, a daring expedition that promises to unveil the astonishing diversity and the age-old alchemy of our planet in National Geographic's new docuseries, "Pole to Pole."
This isn't just another travelogue; it's a grand odyssey, a breathtaking exploration that will see Smith traverse the globe from the icy expanse of the South Pole to the remote reaches of the North Pole. The series, a third epic project for National Geographic, marks a reunion with the same team that brought us the critically acclaimed "Welcome to Earth" in 2021. The promise is bold: a 26,000-mile adventure across a spectrum of biomes, communities, and landscapes, a visual tapestry that is sure to challenge and inspire. The announcement was made public by National Geographic during its portion of the Television Critics Association.
This ambitious project, "Pole to Pole," will follow Smith as he journeys through diverse ecosystems. One of the key segments will focus on the Amazon rainforest. During the filming in Ecuador, a team of scientists from the University of Queensland, led by Professor Bryan Fry, made an astounding discovery. The scientists observed a Northern Green Anaconda, an immense creature weighing over 1,100 pounds. Smith, in a hands-on approach, even participated in the scientific endeavors, assisting in the capture of the anacondas.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Willard Carroll Smith Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Known For | Acting, Producing, Rapping |
| Notable Roles | "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Independence Day," "Men in Black," "Ali," "The Pursuit of Happyness," "I Am Legend," "Aladdin" |
| Awards and Recognition | Academy Award for Best Actor (2021, "King Richard"), multiple Golden Globe and Grammy nominations |
| Current Projects | "Pole to Pole" (Executive Producer and Star) |
| Other Ventures | Co-founder of Westbrook Inc. (media and entertainment company) |
| Marital Status | Married to Jada Pinkett Smith |
| Children | 3 |
| Reference Website | IMDB Profile |
The "Pole to Pole" series promises an immersive experience, offering a deep dive into the planet's astonishing diversity. The series isn't just about the landscapes but the communities that call these places home. The show will explore each of Earth's biomes, providing a comprehensive look at the planet's ecological tapestry. The Waorani people were involved, inviting Professor Bryan Fry and his team to collaborate on the project. During the segment on the tropical forest biome, Smith will venture deep into the Amazon rainforest. Fry noted the striking differences between male and female anacondas, highlighting the challenges in understanding these creatures.
The series was initially announced in 2022 as part of a content expansion strategy by National Geographic on Disney+. While the exact premiere date remains unannounced, the anticipation is building. The fact that Smith is reuniting with his Nat Geo team, who previously worked with him on the "Welcome to Earth" series, hints at the high production values and compelling storytelling audiences can expect. National Geographic has committed to sending Smith on this ambitious global journey, and the result is certain to be a visual feast.
The title itself, "Pole to Pole," encapsulates the scope of Smith's journey, a literal trek from the planet's southernmost point to its northernmost. The journey, spanning over 26,000 miles, will take the audience on a voyage of discovery. The series isn't just about the geographic distance but also about unlocking the mysteries of Earth's "astonishing diversity and alchemy." This exploration of the planet is anticipated to take over 100 days, giving Smith a chance to experience a wide variety of ecosystems.
Smith's involvement as both the star and executive producer underscores his commitment to the project. The series, which will stream on Disney+ via the Nat Geo hub, is a testament to the actor's continued evolution beyond traditional acting roles. National Geographic announced this project would be a part of their Disney Plus offerings. Smith's foray into the realm of travel documentaries aligns with the current trends in media, and his global appeal will likely attract a large audience.
The show provides a unique opportunity to see how life is affected by climate, considering the importance of elements like freshwater and solar energy, and Earth's orbit. However, it is important to note that Smith's path hasn't been without its recent challenges. Reports indicate that Netflix abandoned the "Bright 2" project and National Geographic is pausing the "Pole to Pole" series.
Another such instance of a similar undertaking can be seen in the work of Michael Palin, who, in his epic journey, traveled 23,000 miles, from North to South Pole through 17 different countries. These journeys reflect the human desire for exploration. Though David Attenborough's narration offers a similar viewpoint of the world from north to south, Smiths perspective and his unique approach to storytelling are expected to add another dimension to the series. The show has an interesting angle and is expected to give a lot of insights on the beauty of our planet.
