When we think about iconic movie moments, it's usually the high-flying action, clever one-liners, or incredible special effects that come to mind. However, sometimes, the behind-the-scenes stories are just as memorable. One such moment happened on the set of Men in Black—the 1997 sci-fi comedy directed by Barry Sonnenfeld that solidified Will Smith as a superstar. While Smith and Tommy Lee Jones were busy saving the Earth from aliens on-screen, a different kind of catastrophe was unfolding off-screen—one involving an ill-timed fart that caused an unexpected production delay.
In a recent episode of Kelly Ripa's Let's Talk Off Camera podcast, Sonnenfeld shared the amusing tale of how a simple scene involving the famous “little red button” took a comedic turn. Smith and Jones, playing Agents J and K, were in a hermetically sealed rig preparing to shoot when disaster struck. Will Smith, known for his easygoing personality, accidentally let loose a fart that forced the crew to stop filming and evacuate the stage for a whopping three hours.
Sonnenfeld recalls hearing Smith apologize profusely to Jones while Jones, ever the professional, simply brushed it off with, “No worries, Will.” Despite the lightheartedness of the incident, it was no small feat to get production back on track. Considering the scene required specific setups and equipment, the delay likely threw a wrench in the tight shooting schedule.
Nevertheless, Men in Black went on to become a massive hit, grossing nearly $600 million globally and spawning three sequels. Released on July 2, 1997, the film not only showcased Smith's comedic chops but also became a pop culture touchstone thanks to its witty script, inventive alien designs, and the impeccable chemistry between Smith and Jones.
So while Will Smith's fart might not have made it into the final cut, it certainly left its mark on the movie's history—proving that even the biggest stars are still human in the funniest of ways.
