Hubbry Logo
Overbrook EntertainmentOverbrook EntertainmentMain
Open search
Overbrook Entertainment
Community hub
Overbrook Entertainment
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Overbrook Entertainment
Overbrook Entertainment
Overbrook Entertainment
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Overbrook Entertainment, Inc. is an American production company based in Culver City, California.[1] It was founded by partners Will Smith and James Lassiter in 1998,[2] around the same time production for Wild Wild West (1999) began.

Key Information

The name "Overbrook" is derived from Will Smith's neighborhood in West Philadelphia. The on-screen logo consists of a spinning record with the company name. The company produces music, films and television shows. Smith claimed to have started the company in order to serve as producer and find roles. He uses his role in the company to help unknown artists record music, and also records music for some of his films in Overbrook.

History

[edit]

On November 11, 1997, actor Will Smith (age 29) and manager James Lassiter signed an overall first-look term deal at Universal Pictures.[3] Thus, Overbrook Entertainment was born. It was formally incorporated on February 2, 1998.

David Tochterman, formerly employee of The Carsey-Werner Company, joined the company on September 16, 1998, and decided to launch the television division. Tochterman produced shows for the broadcast and cable TV networks.[4]

The music division was restructured with John Dukakis, formerly an employee of Southpaw Entertainment, signed as executive vice president of its music division on February 11, 1999.[5]

On May 10, 2000, it was announced that a merger with The Firm had been proposed, but it was later scrapped.[6]

Overbrook Entertainment announced on December 10, 2000 that it was renewing its interest in the television division. Its plans were to include a 13-episode animated series commitment for Nickelodeon, as well as a slew of comedy, drama and telemovies on various broadcast networks. The studio was landing deals for three sitcoms, three dramas and one telefilm for various web networks.[7]

The studio's contract with Universal Pictures ended on January 30, 2002. It then formally signed a contract with Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop feature films.[8]

In the years of 2009, 2015 and 2017, the studio went on hiatus where the films from the company are not released yet for the next three years.

The studio announced that it wouldn't renew its deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment on January 3, 2018.[9]

On July 10, 2019, Smith and his wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, announced the formation of Westbrook Inc., with Overbrook Entertainment being as one of the subsidiaries of the company.[10] It is reported that Westbrook Studios would sign a deal with National Geographic.[11]

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]

2000s

[edit]
Year Title Director Distributor Notes
2001 Ali Michael Mann Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, Initial Entertainment Group, Peters Entertainment and Forward Pass
2004 I, Robot Alex Proyas 20th Century Fox co-production with Laurence Mark Productions, Davis Entertainment and Mediastream IV
Saving Face Alice Wu Sony Pictures Classics co-production with Destination Films
2005 Hitch Andy Tennant Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures
2006 ATL Chris Robinson Warner Bros. Pictures
The Pursuit of Happyness Gabriele Muccino Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media and Escape Artists
2007 I Am Legend Francis Lawrence Warner Bros. Pictures co-production with Village Roadshow Pictures, Weed Road Pictures, Heyday Films and Original Film
2008 Hancock Peter Berg Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Weed Road Pictures, Forward Pass and Blue Light
The Human Contract Jada Pinkett Smith Self-distributed co-production with Tycoon Entertainment and 100% Womon Productions
Lakeview Terrace Neil LaBute Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Screen Gems
The Secret Life of Bees Gina Prince-Bythewood Fox Searchlight Pictures co-production with The Donners' Company
Seven Pounds Gabriele Muccino Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media and Escape Artists

2010s

[edit]
Year Title Director Distributor Notes
2010 The Karate Kid Harald Zwart Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, China Film Group Corporation and JW Productions
2012 This Means War McG 20th Century Fox co-production with Robert Simonds Productions and Genre Films
2013 After Earth M. Night Shyamalan Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media and Blinding Edge Pictures
2014 Annie Will Gluck co-production with Columbia Pictures, LStar Capital, Village Roadshow Pictures and Olive Bridge Entertainment
2015 Focus Glenn Ficarra
John Requa 		Warner Bros. Pictures co-production with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Di Novi Pictures, Kramer & Sigman Films and Zaftig Films
2016 Collateral Beauty David Frankel co-production with New Line Cinema, Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Anonymous Content, PalmStar Media and Likely Story
2017 Bright David Ayer Netflix uncredited; co-production with Trigger Warning Entertainment and Grand Electric
2018 To All the Boys I've Loved Before Susan Johnson co-production with Awesomeness Films
2019 Hala Minhal Baig Apple TV+ co-production with Endeavor Content

2020s

[edit]
Year Title Director Distributor Notes
2020 Bad Boys for Life Adil & Bilall Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, 2.0 Entertainment and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You Michael Fimognari Netflix uncredited; co-production with Awesomeness Films and Ace Entertainment
Charm City Kings Ángel Manuel Soto HBO Max co-production with Warner Bros. Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics and Warner Max
Life in a Year Mitja Okorn Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures
2021 To All the Boys: Always and Forever Michael Fimognari Netflix Uncredited; co-production with Awesomeness Films and Ace Entertainment
The Harder They Fall Jeymes Samuel Netflix Uncredited
King Richard Reinaldo Marcus Green Warner Bros. Pictures co-production with Westbrook Studios and Star Thrower Entertainment
2022 Emancipation Antoine Fuqua Apple TV+ co-production with Westbrook Studios, McFarland Entertainment, Escape Artists and Apple Studios
2024 Bad Boys: Ride or Die Adil & Bilall Sony Pictures Releasing co-production with Columbia Pictures, Westbrook Studios, 2.0 Entertainment and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Television

[edit]

2000s

[edit]
Years Title Creator Network Notes
2003–2007 All of Us Will Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith
Betsy Borns 		UPN (seasons 1–3)
The CW (season 4) 		co-production with Warner Bros. Television

2010s

[edit]
Years Title Creator Network Notes
2010–2011 Hawthorne John Masius TNT continued from 100% Womon Productions; co-production with FanFare Productions, John Masius Productions and Sony Pictures Television
2013–2015 The Queen Latifah Show Queen Latifah Syndication revival of the 1999 series; co-production with Flavor Unit Entertainment, Curly One Productions and Sony Pictures Television
2018–2025 Cobra Kai Josh Heald
Jon Hurwitz
Hayden Schlossberg
Television sequel to the Karate Kid film series by:
Robert Mark Kamen 		YouTube Red (season 1)
YouTube Premium (season 2)
Netflix (seasons 3–6) 		Co-production with Hurwitz & Schlossberg Productions (seasons 1–2), Heald Productions (season 2), Counterbalance Entertainment (seasons 3–6), Westbrook Studios (seasons 3–6) and Sony Pictures Television

2020s

[edit]
Years Title Creator Network Notes
2021–present Bel–Air Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz Peacock co-production with Arbolada Roads, Ra Shines Inc., Cooper Films, The 51, Westbrook Studios and Universal Television

Soundtrack

[edit]
Year Title Artist Distributor Notes
1999 Wild Wild West Various artists Interscope Records
2000 Love & Basketball
2002 Men in Black II Danny Elfman Columbia Records
2014 Annie Various artists RCA Records

Distribution

[edit]
Year Title Director Notes
2005 The 7th Commandment Theron Alford DVD distribution; co-production with 25Eight Productions and A Free World Productions

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Overbrook Entertainment

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Overbrook Entertainment is an American specializing in film and television, founded in 1998 by actor and rapper and producer . Based in , the company derives its name from the Overbrook neighborhood in , where Smith grew up. Over its history, Overbrook has become known for producing commercially successful projects, often starring or featuring Smith, with a focus on uplifting stories, action films, and biographical dramas that have grossed over $5 billion worldwide at the as of 2025. The company launched with early involvement in the production of (1999), marking the beginning of its collaboration with major studios like and . Key early successes included (2001), a about boxer that earned two Academy Award nominations, and (2006), which showcased Smith's dramatic range and was inspired by real-life events. Overbrook expanded into diverse genres with hits like the sci-fi thriller I Am Legend (2007), the superhero comedy Hancock (2008), and the remake (2010), contributing to Smith's status as one of Hollywood's highest-grossing stars. The company also ventured into independent and ensemble projects, such as the Hitch (2005) and the coming-of-age drama ATL (2006). In 2019, Overbrook Entertainment became a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., a multimedia venture co-founded by Smith and his wife, , alongside partners Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada, broadening its scope to include digital content, television series like , and cross-platform storytelling. Under this structure, Overbrook continued producing notable films, including the action sequel (2020) and the sports biopic King Richard (2021), which earned Smith his first . As of 2025, the company remains active, with recent projects including (2024) and Karate Kid: Legends (2025), emphasizing inspirational narratives and diverse representation.

Background

Founding

Overbrook Entertainment was founded in 1998 by and in . The company served as a production and management entity aimed at supporting Smith's burgeoning acting career while enabling independent production of films, television programs, and music projects. The name "Overbrook" derives from the Philadelphia neighborhood where Smith grew up and attended Overbrook High School. This choice reflected Smith's personal roots and his desire to establish a creative banner tied to his origins in . Prior to the official founding, Smith and Lassiter secured their first major studio partnership through an overall deal with in late 1997, covering motion pictures, television, and music, which laid the groundwork for Overbrook's early development initiatives.

Key Personnel

Overbrook Entertainment was co-founded by , who serves as the primary creative force behind the company's initiatives. Smith, an acclaimed and musician, rose to prominence through his starring role in the NBC sitcom from 1990 to 1996, which showcased his charisma and launched his transition from rap to . His motivation for establishing Overbrook stemmed from a desire to secure greater control over film roles and production processes, allowing him to develop projects aligned with his vision. James Lassiter, Smith's longtime business partner and co-founder, has managed production and operational aspects since their partnership began in 1997. A former for Smith during his music career, Lassiter transitioned into producing and has been instrumental in steering Overbrook's strategic deals and content development. David Tochterman joined Overbrook as executive vice president in September 1998, shortly after the company's formal founding, and led its television division. With prior experience as a senior executive at , where he contributed to developing shows like , Tochterman oversaw Overbrook's early TV projects and expanded its scripted and unscripted content slate. John Dukakis was appointed executive vice president of Overbrook's music division following its 1999 restructure, managing artist development and production. Previously with Southpaw Entertainment, Dukakis handled music-related ventures until 2006, supporting integrations like those for Overbrook's film scores. Jada Pinkett Smith has been involved in Overbrook's operations alongside her husband, particularly through the 2019 formation of Westbrook Inc., which integrated Overbrook as a to broaden family-led efforts.

Historical Development

Early Years and Initial Deals

In November 1997, and signed an overall with for development, which led to the formal establishment of Overbrook Entertainment in as a focused on , television, and music. In , Overbrook expanded into television by launching its TV division, hiring David Tochterman as executive vice president to oversee development and production; the division operated independently from Universal's television arm, allowing flexibility in pitching projects. By 1999, the music division underwent a restructure, with appointed as executive vice president to lead operations. This reorganization coincided with Overbrook's first major soundtrack involvement on , released through Overbrook Music in partnership with , featuring tracks by Smith and other artists. The effort highlighted the division's role in integrating music with film projects. In 2000, Overbrook explored growth through a proposed merger with The Firm, a prominent company led by and Michael Green, aiming to combine and production capabilities; however, the deal was ultimately scrapped. Later that year, the company renewed its focus on television with commitments for development. By 2002, as the Universal contract concluded, Overbrook shifted to a new multi-year with Entertainment, enabling broader distribution for films starring or produced by Smith, including commitments for multiple projects over three years. This transition solidified the company's position in Hollywood during its formative period.

Expansion, Partnerships, and Hiatus

In the mid-2000s, Overbrook Entertainment expanded its operations significantly through its ongoing with Entertainment, which had been established in 2002 and provided the company with priority access to develop and produce high-profile films and television projects. This partnership enabled Overbrook to scale its output, focusing on a mix of blockbuster features and scripted series that leveraged Will Smith's star power and the company's growing creative infrastructure. Key collaborations during this era included a notable partnership with —a Sony subsidiary—for reboots and franchise developments. In 2008, Overbrook secured involvement in the remake of , producing the 2010 film alongside Jerry Weintraub Productions, which marked a strategic entry into revitalizing established intellectual properties. This deal extended to acquiring rights to the broader franchise, allowing Overbrook to retain oversight for subsequent projects, including the executive production of the spin-off series in partnership with . From 2009 to 2017, Overbrook entered a period of reduced activity and project selectivity, influenced by 's intensified focus on his acting career following a personal hiatus after 2008. This shift resulted in fewer new productions compared to the prior decade, as the company prioritized high-impact, star-driven endeavors over volume. The era culminated in 2018 with the conclusion of the deal after 16 years, as Overbrook principals and opted not to renew, seeking greater flexibility for future ventures.

Recent Restructuring and Westbrook Integration

In 2019, Overbrook Entertainment was integrated as a of Westbrook Inc., a multimedia venture founded by and , along with partners Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada, to oversee their family's expanding portfolio of cross-platform . This restructuring followed the end of Overbrook's long-term partnership with in 2018, allowing for a broader, independent operational framework under Westbrook's umbrella. Post-integration, Overbrook shifted toward a renewed emphasis on diverse, inclusive projects, including developments in streaming content and potential reboots, aligning with Westbrook's mission to amplify underrepresented voices through films, television, and . This evolution marked a departure from Overbrook's earlier hiatus period, enabling collaborative ventures that prioritize global storytelling and innovative formats. In 2022, sold a minority stake in Westbrook Inc. to a Blackstone-backed investment firm led by and Tom Staggs, providing capital for expansion while retaining majority control. As of November 2025, Overbrook continues operations from its base in , integrated within Westbrook's five divisions focused on premium, story-driven entertainment, with a strong orientation toward family-led initiatives that foster cultural connections and artist empowerment. Recent strategic partnerships, such as Westbrook's with signed in September 2025 for developing franchise-starting films starring Smith, underscore this ongoing activity and commitment to sustained production. The incident involving contributed to temporary delays in several Overbrook-linked projects, as studios reassessed commitments amid the ensuing public backlash and professional repercussions. Despite these challenges, the company has since stabilized, leveraging Westbrook's structure to resume development on diverse multimedia endeavors.

Film Productions

2000s Films

Overbrook Entertainment's film productions in the marked a pivotal era of genre diversification and commercial ambition, primarily through collaborations with major studios like Entertainment, which facilitated a in 2002 to develop feature films. This period saw the company produce seven key titles, often starring , blending biographical dramas, , romantic comedies, and action-oriented narratives that emphasized personal redemption, societal critique, and high-stakes spectacle. While varied, the slate collectively grossed over $2.1 billion worldwide, underscoring Overbrook's role in elevating Smith's star power into blockbuster territory despite occasional underperformers. The decade opened with (2001), directed by , a biographical drama chronicling boxer Muhammad Ali's life from 1964 to 1974, focusing on his athletic triumphs, political activism, and personal controversies. Produced with a $109 million budget, the film earned $87.7 million globally, marking a financial disappointment amid competition from holiday releases. Critically, it garnered a 69% approval rating on , praised for Smith's transformative performance and Mann's stylistic direction, though some reviewers noted pacing issues in its 157-minute runtime. Shifting to science fiction, (2004), helmed by , adapted Isaac Asimov's short story collection into a futuristic thriller about a investigating a robot-involved in a world dominated by AI. With a $120 million budget, it achieved strong commercial success, grossing $347.2 million worldwide and benefiting from innovative that highlighted themes of technology's ethical boundaries. The film received mixed reviews, holding a 57% score, with acclaim for Smith's charismatic lead role and action sequences offset by criticisms of its loose fidelity to the source material and formulaic plotting. In 2005, Overbrook ventured into romantic comedy with Hitch, directed by Andy Tennant, featuring Smith as a "date doctor" helping clients navigate love in New York City, exploring vulnerability and authenticity in relationships. Budgeted at $70 million, it became a sleeper hit, earning $371.6 million worldwide and setting records for the genre with a $46.1 million domestic opening. Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with 92% rating it "excellent" or "very good" in exit polls, though critics offered lukewarm assessments, appreciating the humor and chemistry but faulting its predictable narrative. The inspirational drama (2006), directed by , drew from Chris Gardner's real-life struggles as a homeless salesman pursuing a stockbroker career, starring alongside his son Jaden, and emphasizing themes of perseverance and fatherhood. On a $55 million budget, it grossed $307.1 million globally, propelled by word-of-mouth and holiday timing. It earned a 67% Rotten Tomatoes rating and notable awards recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Smith's leading performance, lauded for its emotional depth despite some critiques of sentimental excess. Post-apocalyptic horror entered the fold with I Am Legend (2007), directed by , where Smith portrayed the last human survivor in a virus-ravaged New York, delving into isolation, loss, and scientific redemption based on Richard Matheson's novel. The $150 million production soared to $585.3 million worldwide, becoming one of the decade's top earners through immersive effects and Smith's solo intensity. Critically, it secured a 68% score, with praise for atmospheric tension and Smith's acting balanced by debates over its ending and deviations from the book. Hancock (2008), under Peter Berg's direction, subverted tropes with Smith as an alcoholic, anti-heroic figure grappling with his powers and public image, blending , and redemption arcs. Despite a $150 million budget and mixed 42% reception—criticized for tonal shifts but commended for bold premise—it grossed $629.4 million worldwide, driven by Smith's draw and summer release strategy. Closing the decade, (2008), again directed by Muccino, presented Smith's character as a man seeking atonement through anonymous acts of kindness, unfolding a mystery of guilt and in a introspective drama. Budgeted at $55 million, it underperformed with $169.1 million worldwide, hampered by its enigmatic structure revealed only late. The film drew harsh critical response, a 26% Rotten Tomatoes score, often faulted for manipulative plotting, though some highlighted Smith's committed portrayal of quiet despair. Overall, Overbrook's 2000s films showcased a thematic progression from historical figures to speculative futures and personal introspection, with Smith's versatile performances anchoring varying degrees of success—blockbusters like Hancock and I Am Legend affirming commercial prowess, while dramas like Ali and Seven Pounds tested artistic boundaries amid inconsistent critical acclaim.

2010s Films

Overbrook Entertainment's film output in the 2010s marked a period of selective production, focusing on reboots, family-oriented projects, and ventures into new genres amid the company's partial hiatus from large-scale theatrical releases. The decade began with high-profile reboots that leveraged established intellectual properties, transitioning into experimental sci-fi and streaming content, before culminating in an indie drama debut. This era highlighted Overbrook's adaptability, with productions emphasizing diverse storytelling and collaborations with major studios like Columbia Pictures and Netflix. The Karate Kid (2010), directed by Harald Zwart, served as a reboot of the 1984 classic, relocating the story to China and starring Jaden Smith as Dre Parker alongside Jackie Chan as his mentor Mr. Han. Produced in association with Columbia Pictures, China Film Group, and Jerry Weintraub Productions, the film grossed over $359 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, demonstrating Overbrook's success in modernizing action-dramas for global audiences. Through this project, Overbrook Entertainment acquired the rights to the Karate Kid franchise, retaining ownership that extended to future extensions like the Cobra Kai series. Shifting to sci-fi, After Earth (2013), directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starred Will Smith and Jaden Smith as father-son astronauts stranded on a hostile future Earth, co-produced with Columbia Pictures and Blinding Edge Pictures. The film explored themes of survival and reconciliation but received mixed reviews and earned $243 million against a $130 million budget, reflecting Overbrook's interest in genre experimentation with the Smith family at its core. This was followed by Annie (2014), a musical remake directed by Will Gluck, updating the 1982 film with Quvenzhané Wallis as the titular orphan and Jamie Foxx as a billionaire benefactor, produced alongside Village Roadshow Pictures, Marcy Media Films, and Olive Bridge Entertainment. The adaptation grossed $133 million worldwide, showcasing Overbrook's pivot to contemporary family musicals with urban settings. Entering the streaming era, Bright (2017), directed by , was Overbrook's first Netflix original film, an blending with orc and elf mythology, starring as an LAPD officer partnered with a orc (). Co-produced with Trigger Warning Entertainment and Grand Electric, it became one of 's most-watched originals upon release, despite critical panning, underscoring Overbrook's embrace of bold, genre-mixing narratives for digital platforms. The decade closed with Hala (2019), an indie coming-of-age drama written and directed by in her feature debut, following a Pakistani-American teenager navigating identity and expectations, produced with Endeavor Content and . Premiering at Sundance, where it adopted an , the film earned praise for its authentic portrayal of immigrant experiences and secured distribution through Apple TV+.

2020s Films

Overbrook Entertainment's film output in the 2020s marked a resurgence following a period of reduced activity, emphasizing high-profile action sequels, biographical dramas, and historical thrillers, often in collaboration with Westbrook Studios. This decade saw the company co-produce several commercially successful and critically acclaimed projects, leveraging Will Smith's star power and directorial talents from established filmmakers. Key releases included sequels to popular franchises and original stories highlighting themes of family, resilience, and . The decade began with Bad Boys for Life (2020), directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, serving as the third installment in the Bad Boys franchise. Overbrook co-produced the film alongside Columbia Pictures and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films, with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprising their roles as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The action comedy follows the duo confronting a vengeful drug cartel led by a mother-son pair, blending high-octane chases with buddy-cop humor. Released amid the early COVID-19 pandemic, it grossed over $426 million worldwide, becoming one of the top-grossing films of 2020 and revitalizing the franchise after a 17-year hiatus. In 2021, Overbrook co-produced King Richard, a biographical sports drama directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, focusing on Richard Williams (played by Will Smith), the determined father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film chronicles his unconventional blueprint to guide his daughters to stardom from Compton, California, emphasizing themes of perseverance and family unity. Co-produced with Warner Bros. Pictures, Westbrook Studios, and Star Thrower Entertainment, it premiered at the 2021 Telluride Film Festival and earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, with Smith winning Best Actor for his transformative performance. Despite a modest theatrical gross of around $40 million due to pandemic-era releases, it gained significant acclaim for its inspirational narrative and authentic portrayal of Black family dynamics. Emancipation (2022), directed by , represented Overbrook's venture into historical action-thrillers, co-produced with , Westbrook Studios, McFarland Entertainment, and . Starring as Peter, an enslaved man escaping a plantation after the , the film draws from a real 1863 photograph of a whip-scarred . Shot in Georgia and New Orleans, it blends thriller elements with commentary on racial injustice, featuring intense pursuit sequences across swamps and forests. Released exclusively on Apple TV+, the project faced production delays due to but highlighted Overbrook's commitment to diverse, socially resonant storytelling influenced by Westbrook's integration. The Book of Clarence (2024), directed by Jeymes Samuel, is a biblical comedy-drama starring as Clarence, a struggling Jerusalemite in AD 33 who seeks to exploit the rising fame of Christ for personal gain. Co-produced with , the film blends historical fiction with modern humor, featuring an ensemble cast including , , and . Budgeted at approximately $40 million, it grossed about $7 million worldwide, underperforming commercially but receiving mixed reviews for its bold take on religious themes and soundtrack contributions from . The Bad Boys franchise continued with Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), again directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, co-produced by Overbrook, , and 2.0 Entertainment. Smith and Lawrence return as Lowrey and Burnett, now navigating internal corruption within the Miami PD while evading charges themselves, incorporating modern elements like technology and family subplots. Filmed in and Georgia, the sequel emphasized the aging duo's enduring chemistry and escalated action set pieces. It achieved strong success, earning over $404 million globally and outperforming its predecessor in international markets, solidifying the series' viability. Looking toward the latter half of the decade, Overbrook co-produced Karate Kid: Legends (2025), directed by Jonathan Entwistle, bridging the original films and the 2010 remake. Featuring reprising alongside as Mr. Han, the story centers on a young kung fu prodigy, Li Fong (Ben Wang), who trains under both mentors to compete in a high-stakes tournament. Co-produced with , Hurwitz & Schlossberg Productions, and JW Productions, the film explores mentorship and cultural fusion between karate and kung fu styles. Released in May 2025, it received mixed reviews for its nostalgic appeal but predictable plot, grossing approximately $117 million worldwide and setting up potential crossovers with the series. In development as of 2025, Overbrook is attached to I Am Legend 2, a to the 2007 hit, with returning alongside , directed by . Co-produced with and , the project expands on the post-apocalyptic world, focusing on a storyline exploring the virus's origins and human survival. Announced in but revived post-Bad Boys success, it remains in scripting stages without a confirmed release date.

Television Productions

2000s Series

Overbrook Entertainment ventured into television production during the with the All of Us, which debuted on on September 16, 2003. Created by , , and Betsy Borns, the series served as a semi-autobiographical reflection of the Smiths' experiences with co-parenting and blended family life in the world. Executive produced by Overbrook in partnership with Television, All of Us centered on Robert James, a Los Angeles-based reporter managing single fatherhood, his ex-wife's involvement in raising their son, and a budding romance, often incorporating humorous takes on Hollywood's inner workings and family relationships. The program ran for four seasons across 88 episodes, with the initial three airing on and the fourth transitioning to following the 2006 network merger. All of Us garnered solid ratings as a cornerstone of 's Black sitcom lineup, helping sustain the network's appeal among African American audiences and exemplifying the era's surge in diverse family comedies. Marking Will Smith's first significant television producing role after starring in , the series solidified Overbrook's reputation for crafting relatable, industry-infused narratives that resonated culturally during a pivotal time for Black representation on network TV.

2010s Series

In the , Overbrook Entertainment expanded its television portfolio into premium cable dramas and syndicated talk shows, followed by a high-profile streaming series that revitalized a classic film franchise. This period marked a diversification from earlier broadcast efforts, emphasizing character-driven narratives and celebrity-led formats. One of Overbrook's key projects was the medical drama Hawthorne, which premiered on TNT in June 2009 and ran for three seasons until 2011, with seasons two and three falling squarely in the decade. Produced in association with and FanFare Productions, the series starred as Christina Hawthorne, the resilient Chief Nursing Officer at Richmond Trinity Hospital, navigating personal loss, professional challenges, and hospital politics. Overbrook's involvement highlighted its focus on empowering female-led stories, with Pinkett Smith also serving as an . The show averaged around 3.5 million viewers in its early seasons, contributing to TNT's lineup of original dramas. Shifting to daytime television, Overbrook co-produced The Queen Latifah Show, a syndicated talk show hosted by Queen Latifah that aired from September 2013 to March 2015 across more than 100 U.S. markets. Developed in partnership with Flavor Unit Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television, the program featured celebrity interviews, musical performances, and lifestyle segments, showcasing Latifah's charisma as a multifaceted entertainer. Executive produced by Overbrook's James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett, among others, it aimed to blend entertainment with inspirational content, though it faced challenges in sustaining high ratings amid competition from established talk formats. The series was distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television and marked Overbrook's entry into the talk show genre. Overbrook also produced the documentary mini-series for , which premiered in March 2018 and consisted of 10 episodes hosted by . Co-produced with and , the series explored Earth's unique habitability through interviews with astronauts and scientists, narrated across diverse global locations to highlight interconnected ecosystems and cosmic perspectives. It received praise for its visually stunning storytelling and educational value, averaging strong viewership for the network. In 2019, Overbrook ventured into reality television with Will Smith's Bucket List, an 11-episode series on Facebook Watch where Smith tackled personal challenges like skydiving, shark swimming, and stand-up comedy across international locations. Produced in association with Westbrook Inc., the show emphasized themes of overcoming fears and self-discovery, drawing millions of views per episode and showcasing Smith's adventurous persona. Overbrook's most enduring 2010s television contribution was Cobra Kai, a martial arts comedy-drama series that premiered on YouTube Premium in May 2018 and continued through six seasons until its conclusion in February 2025. Co-created and executive produced by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, the show served as a sequel to The Karate Kid films, exploring the decades-later rivalry between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) while introducing new generations of characters. Overbrook Entertainment, through executive producers James Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett, co-produced the series in association with Sony Pictures Television, leveraging rights acquired for the 2010 The Karate Kid remake starring Jaden Smith. Initially released on YouTube for its first two seasons, Cobra Kai moved to Netflix in 2020, where it garnered critical acclaim for its blend of nostalgia, humor, and themes of redemption, with seasons 1–2 viewed by 50 million member households in their first 28 days on the platform and season 3 accumulating over 107 million streaming hours in its debut week, earning multiple Emmy nominations. The franchise extension revitalized the Karate Kid universe, culminating in a final season split into three parts for heightened narrative impact.

2020s Series

In the 2020s, Overbrook Entertainment contributed to the television landscape through its involvement in high-profile reboots and franchise extensions, emphasizing dramatic reinterpretations of classic properties for streaming platforms. A key project was Bel-Air, a dramatic reimagining of the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which premiered on Peacock in February 2022. Co-created by director Morgan Cooper—whose 2019 fan-made short film inspired the series—the show transforms the original's comedic premise into a serialized drama exploring themes of class, race, and family dynamics in modern Los Angeles. Westbrook Inc., with executive producer Will Smith, collaborated with Universal Television on production, marking a multimedia push that integrated Overbrook's legacy with contemporary streaming formats. As of November 2025, Bel-Air has aired , with the first season consisting of nine episodes, the second expanding on character arcs like Will's integration into the Banks family, and the third delving into interpersonal conflicts and social issues. The series has been renewed for a fourth and final season, set to premiere on November 24, 2025, with the initial three episodes dropping weekly thereafter, concluding the narrative on themes of self-discovery and legacy. This has garnered attention for its bold tonal shift, earning praise for updating the source material while retaining cultural resonance, and it represents Overbrook's focus on evolving iconic IPs for diverse audiences. Overbrook's role in the Karate Kid franchise extended into the 2020s through Cobra Kai, where the company holds rights to the underlying and served as an . The series, distributed by , reached its conclusion with the sixth and final season in 2025, split into three parts: the first in July 2024, the second in November 2024, and the finale on February 13, 2025. This season centered on the Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang dojos competing in the global Sekai Taikai tournament in , resolving long-standing rivalries between and Johnny Lawrence while introducing new threats from international competitors. Key plot developments included Tory Nichols winning the girls' championship and Miguel Diaz securing the boys' title, with emotional closures for supporting characters like Kreese's redemption arc and Hawk's growth, ultimately affirming the value of balance in . The 2025 finale tied directly to the broader film franchise by setting up Karate Kid: Legends, a 2025 theatrical release featuring reprising his role as alongside Jackie Chan's Mr. Han, bridging the TV series' ensemble with the cinematic universe. This integration highlighted Overbrook's strategic oversight in maintaining franchise continuity, ensuring 's 65 episodes across six seasons provided a satisfying endpoint while opening doors for future installments.

Other Ventures

Music and Soundtracks

Overbrook Entertainment established its music division in 1998 as part of the company's founding by and , aligning with their overall production deals including a music partnership with . This division focused on soundtrack production for Overbrook's film projects, leveraging Smith's prior experience as a successful rapper to integrate hip-hop and R&B elements into releases. In early 1999, the music division underwent a restructure, appointing —previously a partner at Southpaw Entertainment—as executive of music, alongside Pilar McCurry as of soundtracks and Omarr Rambert as A&R executive. The revamped team oversaw the division's initial high-profile output, emphasizing collaborative albums that blended contemporary genres with film narratives. The division's debut release was the soundtrack for Wild Wild West (1999), issued through Overbrook Music and Interscope Records, which featured a diverse array of hip-hop and pop tracks. The lead single, "Wild Wild West" by Will Smith featuring Dru Hill and Kool Moe Dee, debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one for one week in July 1999, marking a commercial breakthrough for Overbrook's music endeavors. Subsequent efforts included the Love & Basketball soundtrack (2000), a compilation of contemporary R&B and hip-hop songs released via Overbrook Music and Interscope Records, highlighting artists like Al Green, New Edition, and Donell Jones to underscore the film's themes of romance and athleticism. This album exemplified Overbrook's approach to curating genre-specific collections that enhanced cinematic storytelling without original score dominance. For Men in Black II (2002), Overbrook Music collaborated with Columbia Records on the soundtrack, which primarily featured Danny Elfman's orchestral score but prominently included Smith's original rap track "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)" featuring TRÂ-Knox, tying directly to the film's sci-fi action sequences. Overbrook's involvement extended to the Annie (2014) soundtrack, co-produced under the company's banner alongside Roc Nation and Madison Gate Records, with executive production credits for Will Gluck and Overbrook; the album reimagined classic musical numbers through modern pop and R&B lenses, performed by the cast including Quvenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx.

Distribution Efforts

Overbrook Entertainment has historically depended on established studio partnerships for the distribution of its content, minimizing direct involvement in release logistics while leveraging major players' global reach. A key alliance formed in 2002, when Overbrook signed a three-year with Entertainment, granting the studio priority access to the company's projects and facilitating theatrical distribution through for numerous films. This partnership extended into international markets, as seen in co-production agreements that included distribution rights in regions like for select titles. In addition to traditional studio releases, Overbrook pursued streaming distribution deals to expand its content's accessibility. The 2017 urban fantasy film Bright, produced by Overbrook, was distributed exclusively on , marking one of the platform's early high-budget original films and reaching over 130 million global subscribers at the time. Similarly, the 2022 historical thriller Emancipation, involving Overbrook through its affiliation with Westbrook Studios, premiered on Apple TV+, utilizing the service's premium video-on-demand model for worldwide release. Overbrook has also played a role in managing franchise rights, particularly for the series, where it held ownership and oversaw distribution aspects. The company produced the 2010 remake in collaboration with , securing ancillary rights in Asian territories including , where local investment supported broader theatrical rollout. This oversight extended to subsequent extensions like the series, produced in association with for initial YouTube Red distribution before moving to .

References

  1. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/overbrook-entertainment
  2. https://deadline.com/2022/01/will-smith-jada-pinkett-smith-westbrook-minority-investment-blackstone-backed-firm-kevin-mayer-tom-staggs-1234904332/
  3. https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/production-company/Overbrook-Entertainment
  4. https://productionlist.com/production-contact/overbrook-entertainment/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls567134760/
  6. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/will-jada-pinkett-smith-unveil-new-media-venture-westbrook-1223465/
  7. https://www.movieinsider.com/c419/overbrook-entertainment
  8. https://theblackmedia.org/2016/04/04/overbrook-entertainment-bio-will-smith-james-lassiter-2016/
  9. https://variety.com/1997/film/markets-festivals/smith-talks-shingle-at-u-1114/
  10. https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/will-smith-shares-background-of-fresh-prince-nickname
  11. https://cleverism.com/how-will-smith-started-his-businesses/
  12. https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/james-lassiter-all-business-no-limelight-1117997296/
  13. https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/tochterman-over-to-overbrook-1117480456/
  14. https://filmflorida.org/podcast/episode-112-david-tochterman/
  15. https://variety.com/1999/biz/news/overbrook-is-ready-1117491238/
  16. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdukakis
  17. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virgin-produced-and-overbrook-entertainment-join-forces-on-non-exclusive-pact-beginning-with-after-earth-206961381.html
  18. https://deadline.com/2019/07/jada-pinkett-smith-will-smith-launch-westbrook-inc-multimedia-cross-platform-venture-1202644212/
  19. https://jhwikicollection-20.fandom.com/wiki/Overbrook_Entertainment
  20. https://nypost.com/1999/06/15/will-smith-spins-record-deal-with-universal-music/
  21. https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/overbrook-the-firm-join-forces-1117781440/
  22. https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/overbrook-turns-on-tv-1117790274/
  23. https://variety.com/2002/film/news/sony-overbrook-ink-1117860008/
  24. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/will-smith-overbrook-entertainment-sony-1202652516/
  25. https://variety.com/2008/film/features/jaden-smith-set-for-karate-kid-redo-1117995614/
  26. https://www.businessinsider.com/cobra-kai-creators-explain-how-they-made-the-karate-kid-show-2018-5
  27. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/will-smith-adam-sandler-how-sony-suffered-collapse-a-list-star-book-excerpt-1088418/
  28. https://blavity.com/entertainment/will-smiths-overbrook-ent-will-not-renew-deal-with-sony-pictures-what-happens-next
  29. https://variety.com/2019/film/news/will-smith-jada-pinkett-smith-launch-multimedia-venture-1203263256/
  30. https://westbrookinc.com/
  31. https://deadline.com/2025/09/will-smith-westbrook-paramount-pictures-1236505527/
  32. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/apr/03/will-smith-projects-stalled-under-threat-oscars-slap-report
  33. https://www.semafor.com/article/01/07/2024/the-fall-of-will-and-jadas-media-empire
  34. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Ali-%282001%29
  35. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ali
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343818/
  37. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_robot
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386588/
  39. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed1266025476/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454921/
  41. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pursuit_of_happyness
  42. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/I-am-Legend
  43. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_am_legend
  44. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hancock
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/
  46. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Seven-Pounds-%282008%29
  47. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/seven_pounds
  48. https://screenrant.com/cobra-kai-will-smith-role-producer-explained/
  49. https://deadline.com/2019/01/overbrook-entertainment-endeavor-inclusion-rider-sundance-hala-1202541321/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1502397/companycredits/
  51. https://variety.com/2019/film/news/warner-bros-will-smith-king-richard-movie-1203166025/
  52. https://variety.com/2020/film/news/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-emancipation-1234635393/
  53. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Book-of-Clarence-The-%282024%29
  54. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/i-am-legend-2-will-smith-akiva-goldsman-arash-amel-292377/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362404/
  56. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/all_of_us
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362404/companycredits/
  58. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/upn-black-tv-the-wb-moesha-the-parkers-1235091212/
  59. https://www.vibe.com/lists/upn-black-sitcoms-ranked/
  60. https://variety.com/2019/tv/awards/will-smith-youtube-emmy-nomination-submission-1203222890/
  61. https://deadline.com/2010/09/its-official-tnt-renews-hawthorne-67361/
  62. https://www.tvmegasite.net/prime/reviews/2011/hawthorne.shtml
  63. https://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/hawthorne/
  64. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-queen-latifah-show-returns-monday-september-15-274361461.html
  65. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/queen-latifah-daytime-talk-show-255243/
  66. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7651892/
  67. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/one_strange_rock
  68. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9860956/
  69. https://about.netflix.com/news/the-karate-kid-saga-enters-a-new-era-as-cobra-kai-comes-to-netflix
  70. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni63843545/
  71. https://observer.com/2021/08/netflix-most-popular-movies-tv-series-viewership-ratings-nielsen/
  72. https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/peacock-debuts-bel-air-teaser-tv-news-roundup-1235117770/
  73. https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/bel-air-season-4-trailer-cast-photos
  74. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/bel-air-final-season-trailer-snoop-dogg-cameo-1236568444/
  75. https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a33925943/cobra-kai-will-smith/
  76. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/cobra-kai-seaosn-6-ending
  77. https://www.ign.com/articles/cobra-kai-series-finale-ending-explained-does-it-set-up-the-new-karate-kid-movie
  78. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0113383Z:US
  79. https://www.amazon.com/Wild-West-Inspired-Motion-Picture/dp/B00000JCAN
  80. https://www.allmusic.com/album/love-basketball-soundtrack--mw0000607912
  81. https://www.madisongaterecords.com/annie-original-motion-picture-soundtrack
  82. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-30-la-ca-karatekid-20100530-story.html
  83. https://fortune.com/2017/07/21/netflix-comic-con-bright/
  84. https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2022/12/apple-original-films-hosts-premiere-of-emancipation-with-stars-will-smith-ben-foster-charmaine-bingwa-and-more/
  85. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2018/may/08/cobrkai-revisits-karate-kid-youtube-red/
  86. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-karate-kid-returns-to-the-big-screen-with-a-sneak-preview-of-youtube-reds-original-series-reboot-cobra-kai-in-cinemas-nationwide-april-25-only-300618285.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.