Eagle-eyed viewers who have seen The Roses, the new dark comedy starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, may have noticed an unexpected, familiar name as part of the final credit scroll. Amongst a stacked supporting cast which includes Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and Kate McKinnon, Will Smith is credited with playing the role of Derek. But it may not be the Will Smith you’re expecting.
The Movie Stars Will Smith, But Not the Fresh Prince Actor
The character of Derek appears very early on in the movie, in a single scene set in Cumberbatch’s office before he and Colman flee London for California. The role is indeed filled by Will Smith, but not the Fresh Prince star many of us associate with the name. William James Smith, who’s credited as Will Smith in The Roses, is a British stand-up comedian, author, producer, and actor best known for his behind-the-scenes roles.
Smith was a co-writer and producer on HBO’s acclaimed series Veep, and for the past several years he’s served as showrunner on Apple TV+’s mega-hit Slow Horses. (Smith left the series ahead of season five, handing the reins to a new showrunner.) His acting roles have been more limited, though prior to The Roses he appeared in Paddington (2014) and Michael Winterbottom’s Greed (2019).
Smith’s credit has led to some confusion online considering he’s credited with the same name as one of the world’s most recognizable actors. Typically, the Screen Actor’s Guild requires each individual actor to have a unique professional name to avoid crediting confusion, as well as to preserve each person’s professional brand. If an actor’s name is already in use, then the second actor must in some way alter their name to avoid confusion. However, if the British Will Smith is not a member of SAG/AFTRA, these steps may be null and void. The Roses was shot in New South Wales, Australia, meaning it may answer to different rules in regards to casting and crediting.
Smith Thrilled to Be Part of a Major Film
At the London premiere, Smith told Hey U Guys that appearing in such a starry production was well beyond his wildest dreams. “If I could tell my childhood self that this will happen, that I’d be at a premiere for a film like this. I’ve only got four lines, but I’m still in it. I’m still here!” he said. Of his experience shooting with Cumberbatch, Smith said: “It’s amazing, you just sit there going, ‘That’s Benedict Cumberbatch.’ And also, it’s made me really cool with my kids. I will not lie, a big part of the draw was being able to go, ‘I worked with Dr. Strange today.’ I get a lot of points for this, so, thank you, Benedict.”
