The Hollywood star groups with former Wales rugby participant Richard Parks for a groundbreaking documentary exploring Earth’s most distant landscapes
Will Smith has traded pink carpets for ice caps in a daring new documentary collection that takes the actor to essentially the most excessive corners of Earth. The upcoming Nationwide Geographic manufacturing, Pole to Pole, chronicles the entertainer’s journey throughout all seven continents, starting with an expedition via Antarctica guided by former Wales rugby worldwide Richard Parks.
The collection, 5 years in improvement, premieres January 14 on Nationwide Geographic in the UK and Disney Plus worldwide. Every of the seven episodes pairs Smith with scientists, explorers and specialists who assist him perceive the planet’s most difficult environments. For Parks, a veteran adventurer who made historical past as the primary individual to summit the very best peak on every continent and attain all three poles inside a single yr, guiding the Recent Prince of Bel Air actor proved uniquely rewarding.
Dancing on skinny ice
Parks described the expertise as transformative, noting that Antarctica’s profound isolation probably supplied Smith a uncommon escape from his excessive profile existence. The previous Dragons participant advised the continent strips away the social facades individuals preserve in on a regular basis life, revealing one thing extra basic about human nature.
The manufacturing maintained an deliberately small crew, creating an intimate environment that Parks stated allowed Smith’s real curiosity to shine via. He characterised the actor as considerate, humble and deeply engaged with the expertise, although not with out moments requiring mild correction.
When wilderness calls for respect
Parks recalled one incident when Smith started dancing on the Polar Plateau, prompting what he diplomatically described as a number of stern reminders about applicable conduct in such a treacherous surroundings. The alternate underscored Parks’ major duty all through the filming, which centered on conserving Smith secure whereas guaranteeing he may absolutely expertise the continent’s majesty.
The Welsh adventurer, who grew up in Pontypridd and initially studied dentistry earlier than his rugby profession, obtained his first trace in regards to the venture via an embargoed e-mail in 2020. The preliminary message supplied minimal particulars, merely asking whether or not he would possibly talk about Antarctica for an journey science program. Even now, Parks admits he continues processing the surreal nature of the chance.
Constructing bonds in Antarctica
Regardless of the difficult circumstances and occasional tense moments, Parks emphasised the connection that developed between himself and Smith throughout their time collectively. He acknowledged the issue of absolutely articulating such an expertise, notably given the huge variations between their regular lives. But Antarctica has a approach of equalizing individuals, stripping away pretense and standing to disclose core character.
The 48 yr previous adventurer spoke about feeling impressed by Smith’s method to the journey, praising what he described as a good looking and curious spirit. For somebody accustomed to managed environments and thoroughly managed public appearances, the uncooked unpredictability of Antarctica represented a real departure.
A legacy of exploration
Parks introduced appreciable experience to his function as information. His 2009 retirement from worldwide rugby, compelled by a shoulder harm, launched an surprising second profession in excessive athletics and tv presenting. His landmark achievement, documented within the BBC Cymru Wales manufacturing Richard Parks: Conquering the World, established him as a reputable voice in journey programming.
The collaboration between Hollywood star and Welsh adventurer creates an uncommon dynamic for nature documentary programming. Quite than sustaining conventional presenter distance, the collection apparently embraces the training course of itself, displaying Smith as he develops abilities and braveness essential to navigate excessive environments. This method could resonate with viewers looking for genuine experiences slightly than polished perfection.
As local weather change continues reshaping Antarctica and public curiosity in environmental points grows, Pole to Pole arrives at a second when such journeys carry added significance past mere journey tourism.
