Description
In this 1999 interview with WFAA, Will Smith reflects on stepping into the role of James West in Wild Wild West—a part made famous by Robert Conrad in the 1960s TV series.
Smith talks about learning to ride horses for the role, embracing the character's wardrobe, and how the slant of a cowboy hat can shape an entire performance. He also shares how director Barry Sonnenfeld convinced him to take on the unconventional casting, and why comedy allows more space to break type and reimagine traditional roles.
Watch more of WFAA's archived interviews with movie stars here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkCeJSrX8m29svMzEHOvhs-PwCYEEDi7M