Article: Will Smith explains why he decided to play `Ali' in new movie.(actor)(Cover Story)(Interview)

For seven years, Will Smith turned own the chance to bring the life of legendary Muhammad Ali to the big screen. But, the superstar finally felt he was ready and now has brought all the ups and downs of the champ's life to the silver screen in Ali.

Smith told JET that initially he was frightened to play Ali for fear of making mistakes, but afar two years of preparation, he was anxious to do it. When asked what changed his mind he said: "The man is a legend. It was always a great story with almost Biblical overtones. He is simple, complex and great."

The reasons for doing it were also some of the same ones that inspired seven years of fear in Smith. "The ...

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