Cast members Will Smith (R) poses with actor Alfonso Ribeiro at the premiere of the movie "Seven Pounds" at the Mann Village theatre in Westwood, California December 16, 2008. The movie opens in the U.S. on December 19.
Cast members Will Smith (R) poses with actor Alfonso Ribeiro at the premiere of the movie "Seven Pound" at the Mann Village theatre in Westwood, California December 16, 2008. The movie opens in the U.S. on December 19. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Even though there were already reports of how dismaying how the 2013 sci-film “After Earth” did in theatres, lead star Will Smith stayed mum about it until now. In a new interview, the actor claimed that the movie is the “most painful failure” of his career because he "dragged" his son Jaden Smith into it.

In an interview with Esquire magazine, Will Smith described the low box office numbers of “After Earth” as devastating. On its opening weekend, the M. Night Shyamalan-directed movie only managed to make $27 million, which was disheartening. Moreover, because the movie starred him and his son, Jaden, it made him feel even worse. That is why he called it the most painful career outcome for him even though another one of his movie, “Wilde Wild West” tanked as well. Still, he said even though he was devastated with the results, he did not let the numbers affect him more than it should. Getting the news that his father has cancer shortly after he received the low box office numbers made him immediately put things into perspective.

He coped with all the bad feelings by stepping into a treadmill and running for 90 minutes. He said that after one-and-a-half hour in the treadmill, he had an epiphany that love would make him feel more fulfilled than anything else. He said he could not win enough or earn enough. “The only thing that will ever satiate that existential thirst is love. And I just remember that day I made the shift from wanting to be a winner to wanting to have the most powerful, deep and beautiful relationships I could possibly have,” he shared.

This is why even with these failures, he is not letting these break him. At a special screening of his new film "Focus," he shared that he might even release some new music to end a 10-year hiatus. He shared that he has been in the studio with Kanye West and exploring his options. His son, Jaden, is even giving him some pointers. He said he is willing to try what Jaden told him to do while exploring -- to keep going and writing, without stopping.

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