From discovering his hidden Welsh roots to finding renewed fame with an old classic, Will Smith is embracing reinvention—and this time, he’s doing it with a global spotlight on him once again.
Cardiff, July 14, 2025 — Hollywood megastar Will Smith is embracing a fresh cultural identity and unexpected resurgence in his career all at once. The rapper-turned-actor has recently discovered strong connections between his Philadelphia roots and the nation of Wales—prompting him to proudly proclaim, “I’m Welsh.”
As the Fresh Prince prepares to perform live at Cardiff Castle on August 25, just days after Welsh music legend Sir Tom Jones, the multi-Grammy-winning artist is also riding the wave of a surprising streaming comeback. Men in Black II, Smith’s 2002 sci-fi sequel, has just cracked the top 10 most-streamed movies on Starz in the U.S., over two decades after its lukewarm release.
In a rare intersection of personal heritage, nostalgic fame, and musical reinvention, Will Smith is reclaiming the spotlight—and this time, it’s equal parts roots and rhythm.
“I’m Welsh”: Will Smith’s Surprising Connection to Wales
In an exclusive conversation with Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Will Smith shared a jaw-dropping revelation about his ancestry and early upbringing. The 55-year-old star, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, was stunned to discover that Bryn Mawr, a suburb near his childhood neighborhood, was named by Welsh Quaker settlers in the 17th century.
“I’m Welsh,” Smith laughed on air. “That might be my new name—Welsh Smith. I’m gonna be Welsh Smith.”
As he learned more, the connection became even deeper. Smith’s mother still resides in Bryn Mawr, which in Welsh means “big hill.” Connecting the dots, the rapper-turned-actor added with a grin:
“Big Will lives in Big Hill. This is crazy.”
He also grew up in Wynnefield, a district named after Dr. Thomas Wynne, a Welsh physician and adviser to William Penn. It was a moment of serendipity that left even Will Smith speechless.
Paying Tribute to Sir Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle
Smith’s Cardiff concert on August 25, 2025, promises more than just a high-energy performance—it will also include a tribute to Welsh icon Sir Tom Jones. The legendary crooner famously appeared in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back in 1993, portraying a guardian angel who helps Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) find his way.
Recalling the cameo, Smith said:
“When Sir Tom walked on to the set, it was magical. He had this iconic energy that everybody wishes they had.”
The show’s producers included a live audience reaction to Jones’ surprise entrance, creating one of the most memorable moments in sitcom history. Now, three decades later, the two performers will headline back-to-back shows in the Welsh capital—making it a once-in-a-lifetime musical crossover.
“There’s a part in my show where we celebrate his connection to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I couldn’t come to Cardiff and not show love to Sir Tom.”
Learning Welsh and Embracing the Culture
In the lead-up to his UK performances, Smith revealed that he’s been practicing some basic Welsh phrases to connect more deeply with local fans. While he didn’t disclose exactly what he’s learned, it’s safe to say that “Croeso i Gymru” (Welcome to Wales) might be on the setlist.
Given his charisma and spontaneity, fans in Cardiff may get to witness a rare cultural moment—a global superstar speaking Welsh on stage, and doing it with pride.
Will Smith’s Comeback Album: Based on a True Story
While the headlines may highlight his newly discovered heritage, Will Smith’s real focus in 2025 is music. The artist recently dropped his first full-length album in 20 years, titled Based on a True Story. The introspective record digs deep into themes of redemption, healing, fame, and personal evolution.
“I let myself talk from places and write from places within me that I’ve been scared of,” Smith said in an emotional interview. “Those parts that aren’t necessarily for Instagram or the BBC.”
The release comes three years after his infamous Oscars incident, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock live on stage for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The aftermath led to public backlash, emotional apologies, and a temporary career freeze.
With this new album, Smith is trying to turn a page—not to forget the past, but to grow from it.
Streaming Revival: Men in Black II Finds New Life on Starz
While Smith explores new creative territory, an old classic of his is suddenly finding fresh legs.
According to Starz streaming data (as of July 10, 2025), Men in Black II has entered the Top 10 most-streamed films in the U.S., sitting at #9—just behind Men in Black (1997), which is ranked #7.
The sci-fi comedy sequel, released in 2002, was once considered the weakest entry in the franchise. It received just 38% from critics and 45% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes—far lower than the 91% critic score of the original.
Yet today, nostalgia and curiosity have catapulted the film back into popularity. It now outperforms other blockbusters on Starz like Trap City (#10) and even some newer entries like Expendables 4 (#6) and Night Shift (#5).
Why Is Men in Black II Trending Again?
Streaming trends are notoriously difficult to predict, but industry analysts believe several factors have contributed to the film’s resurgence:
- Smith’s current global tour, combined with the buzz around his comeback album, has reignited interest in his older films.
- The original Men in Black also saw a spike in streams, boosting its sequel’s performance through algorithmic recommendations.
- Gen Z and younger Millennials, many of whom grew up with the franchise, are revisiting it through a lens of nostalgia.
“It’s retro sci-fi with a hip-hop twist,” noted film critic Dana Reynolds. “There’s something timeless about Will Smith’s charm—even when the script isn’t perfect.”
The Box Office Legacy of Men in Black II
Despite its critical shortcomings, Men in Black II was a financial hit. Made on a reported budget of $140 million, the film grossed over $441.7 million worldwide.
This included $190.4 million in domestic earnings and an additional $251.3 million internationally, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of 2002. It even outpaced Die Another Day, the James Bond installment released that same year.
Its commercial success paved the way for Men in Black III in 2012, and later, a spinoff series starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson.
What’s Next for Will Smith?
With his global tour underway, a new album on the charts, and old films finding new life, 2025 is shaping up to be a major turning point in Will Smith’s career.
From the streets of West Philadelphia to the castles of Cardiff, from rap stardom to Hollywood royalty, and now as an honorary Welshman—Smith’s story continues to evolve in surprising and heartfelt ways.
Whether it’s through music, movies, or unexpected family trees, Will Smith is once again proving that his star power transcends time, borders, and even language.