If there have ever been figures of widespread recognition and importance who have steered the population toward safety and survival at times of great catastrophe, it has been in films alone. And Will Smith’s character in the 2007 post-apocalyptic film, I Am Legend stands out as one of the most infamous portrayals of people surviving in the midst of sheer desolation. Moreover, Independence Day is renowned in Hollywood as one of the best films to have been made centered on the alien invasion trope.
As such, in a recent poll conducted in the UK, Smith has come out as one of the top leaders who would be able to act as the de facto leader in a critical alien invasion scenario. It seems as though the actor’s ability to play a part so convincingly and with authority has struck such a nerve among the population of the world that the recollection of his films alone is enough to inspire them to follow his lead in case a real calamity strikes.
Independence Day (1996)
Will Smith Nominated as World Leader During Alien Invasion
In the ample time that people get to spend behind worrying about the hazards of our current lifestyle in the aftermath of the global pandemic, one of the thoughts currently taking up attic space in our collective consciousness is what happens in case we are under siege by the aliens.
A poll conducted by media outlet, Blaze in the United Kingdom involving 2000 adults has delivered a definitive verdict for such a crisis scenario. The world’s population, in need of a leader, would most effectively turn to Arnold Schwarzenegger (considering his resume as the Terminator as well as a politically versed and experienced Governor). The second most favored candidate to be nominated was Men in Black actor Will Smith, overtaking such famous personalities as Tom Cruise and even the current POTUS, Joe Biden.
Will Smith in I Am Legend
Will Smith, Arnie Ready To Lead the People Into Safety
Even though the knowledge that such great celebrity figures are now standing up to take over such a daunting role with such readiness is greatly appreciated, it is also concerning how the mass consciousness immediately turns to actors who have merely worked in front of a lens, reciting dialogues from a script, and enacting out scenes as make believe for mass consumption and entertainment. The same sentiments have also been expressed by the media outlet that has conducted the poll and noticed a concerning shift in understanding among the people over Hollywood movies and those equipped to deal with real-life crisis scenarios.
Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator: Dark Fate
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who came out on top as the winner, took note of the fact in good stride and posted recently on Twitter, “I want to thank the people for putting their faith in me. I am ready to serve.” The list also enclosed such celebrity figures as Sir David Attenborough, Piers Morgan, Tom Cruise (War of the Worlds), Bruce Willis (12 Monkeys), Sigourney Weaver (Aliens), Harrison Ford (Blade Runner), and Gillian Anderson (X Files) among others. Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden were among the few notable political figures to make it on the list although Biden scored the least number of votes as a leader.
