Will Smith Debuts Epic National Geographic Series 'Pole to Pole' in London

Hollywood superstar Will Smith made a prominent return to the spotlight this week, attending the London premiere of his highly anticipated National Geographic documentary series, "Pole to Pole." The event marked a significant moment for the actor as he showcased a project that has been years in the making.

This seven-part documentary, which National Geographic has hailed as its most ambitious undertaking to date, chronicles an extraordinary five-year expedition spanning all seven continents. Smith, serving as both the primary host and an executive producer, traveled a staggering 26,000 miles (approximately 40,000 kilometers) in a journey that took him from the South Pole all the way to the North Pole.

Over the course of 100 filming days scattered across the five-year production period, Smith participated in a series of high-stakes challenges. His journey included skiing across the desolate ice fields of Antarctica, diving into the freezing waters beneath the Arctic ice, trekking through the dense Amazon rainforest, and climbing the formidable peaks of the Himalayas, all while collaborating with a global team of scientists and explorers.

The series is set to premiere on January 13 on both National Geographic and Disney+. Beyond the spectacle of travel, the show focuses on the vital environmental work of indigenous communities, such as the Waorani people in the Amazon and the San people of the Kalahari Desert, highlighting their essential role in global conservation efforts.

During one segment of the expedition in Bhutan, Smith explored the philosophical concept of well-being. He sought to uncover the secrets of human happiness by consulting with Professor Dacher Keltner, a renowned expert in the field, adding a layer of emotional depth to the physical journey.

Throughout the series, Smith takes an active role as a research assistant rather than just a narrator. In the Arctic, he worked alongside ecologist Allison Fong, diving beneath the ice to collect rare microorganism samples. These specimens are critical for scientists trying to understand the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In the Amazonian leg of the trip, the actor assisted in the capture of a giant anaconda. This dangerous task allowed the team to take scale samples from the snake, which are used to analyze the levels of chemical pollution currently affecting the region's vital water systems.

The expedition also touched upon cultural preservation in the Pacific Ocean. On remote islands, Smith joined forces with linguists to document a critically endangered language that is currently spoken by only five individuals remaining in the world.

Production for the series originally began in late 2022. Despite the widely publicized incident at the Oscars and a subsequent period of professional quiet for Smith, Disney and National Geographic chose to move forward with the project, citing the immense educational and cinematic value of the footage already captured.

The production team featured high-level talent, including the acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, known for directing "Black Swan" and "The Whale." Serving as an executive producer, Aronofsky helped infuse the series with a distinct visual language and a profound narrative structure.

The logistical scale of the project was immense, with Smith crossing every major climate zone on the planet. The total distance covered exceeded 40,000 kilometers, all condensed into 100 grueling days of active expeditionary filming.

The series is meticulously organized into seven distinct episodes, each focusing on a specific geographic location and a central philosophical theme. The first episode, "South Pole," focuses on the fundamental human instinct of Survival.

The journey then moves to the Amazon for two parts. The first, "Amazon: Deadly Creatures," explores the concept of Fear, while the second, "Amazon: Dark Waters," examines the complex Interconnectedness of the natural world.

In the fourth episode, the series travels to the Himalayas to investigate the nature of Happiness. This is followed by a journey to the Pacific Islands, where the narrative shifts to the idea of Legacy and what we leave behind for future generations.

The penultimate episode takes place in the Kalahari Desert, focusing on the theme of Resilience in the face of harsh environmental conditions. The saga concludes at the North Pole, where the final episode looks toward the Future of our changing planet.

Reflecting on the experience, Smith emphasized that the project was a deeply personal odyssey. He noted that the challenges he faced and the people he met fundamentally altered his perspective on the world and his own place within it.

"This journey not only changed my view on the planet, it changed my view on myself," Smith stated during a recent interview, highlighting the transformative power of the five-year global expedition.