A biopic about Will Smith could be shelved after reports that two streaming giants who'd been locked in a bidding war for the rights both pulled out after he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Insiders claim that both Netflix and Apple+ have withdrawn from the race to bring the story of the actor's life to audiences.
It's thought the bidding had gone as high as £10 million before the platforms pulled out over the controversial events at this year's Academy Awards.
A source told The Sun: "Netflix and Apple+ have quietly removed their bids for a Will Smith biopic and will instead relocate the funds and develop original ideas from new black actors.
"Working with Will has become a risky business. They now plan on developing ideas with more family friendly stars like Mike Epps and Michael B. Jordan."
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Will has withdrawn from the Academy since the incident and faces a make or break hearing on April 18 over whether or not he'll be able to keep the Best Actor Oscar he won for his role in King Richard.
Not long before getting up to accept the prestigious gong he had stormed the stage and slapped comedian Chris across the face.
Chris had made a joke about Will's actress wife Jada Pinkett Smith, telling her he couldn't wait to see her in GI Jane 2.
He was referencing how Demi Moore famously shaved her head for the role, but Jada, who has alopecia, wasn't impressed.
After striking Chris, Will returned to his seat and shouted at Chris to "keep my wife's name out your f***ing mouth".
It's also reported that a string of Will's films are set to be axed.
The Hollywood Reporter claims a Netflix film titled Fast and Loose and due to star Will has been shelved in light of the scandal.
The outlet said: "Soon after Smith’s attack on Chris Rock on the Oscars stage, Netflix quietly moved the project to the back burner."
TMZ also suggest that Will's other Netflix projects, The Council and Bright 2 could also be binned as a consequence of his actions.
His Apple+ project Emancipation is also deep into post-production.
Announcing his resignation from the Academy, Will said: "I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.
"So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate."
The Mirror has contacted Netflix and Apple+ for comment.
