If this enlightening interview with New York magazine's Vulture is any indication, Will Smith and his prodigal son, Jaden Smith, have the most weirdly interesting father-son relationship in Hollywood. In anticipation of their new movie with director M. Night Shyamalan, "After Earth," here are five fun facts about these freshest of princes.
1. Jaden Smith Really Hearts Kung Fu
Jaden Smith got so into his kung-fu training for 2011's "The Karate Kid" that Jackie Chan said that the young Smith put his own son to shame. In a blog post on his official website, Jackie Chan wrote about Jaden: "Training in martial arts is hard work. It takes years to perfect even one punch or kick. Jaden's father is a famous celebrity, and Jaden probably knows he could get away without having to work very hard." He then offered specific examples of the kid's commitment to the craft: "When he was thirsty, he gave the traditional hand gesture, putting one fist into the palm of the other, bowed and asked permission to drink some water."
2. Will Smith Really Hearts Rubik's Cubes
Will Smith can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 55 seconds, and exhibited his brainy talent for real when his character solved the puzzle in his show "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and in the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," which co-starred a much younger Jaden Smith. As part of his preparation for "The Pursuit of Happyness," Will was trained by Speedcubing champions Tyson Mao, Toby Mao, and Lars Petrus.
3. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Helped Build the School Their Kids Attend
Jaden and his sister, Willow, attend a school co-founded by parents Will and Jada called the New Village Leadership Academy.
4. Showbiz Is in the Genes
Will says he and wife Jada never pushed their children into show business, which Jaden corroborates in their aforementioned joint interview. Will tells Vulture, "It may seem like we have pushed our kids into the business, but that is absolutely insane. I would never, ever, push somebody to have their face on a poster that's going be everywhere in the world. He is making a choice from the informed."
5. Jaden Smith Doesn't Call Them Mom & Dad
Jaden, now 14, still calls his parents "mommy" and "daddy."
6. Will and Jaden Like to Give Each Other a Hard Time
Will and Jaden's relationship may seem unusually precious, but Jaden isn't afraid to tease his dad about his fashion choices.
"After Earth," starring Will and Jaden Smith, is in theaters now.
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