Star of Bad Boys: Ride or Die Will Smith has announced that he will be appearing in the much awaited action-thriller “Sugar Bandits.” The production is currently without its main star.

So why is that the case? Deadline Hollywood claims that Smith’s departure was due to “scheduling conflicts.” It’s intriguing that most schedules are set before celebrities commit to major motion picture projects, but who knows?

Which of his next projects might have sparked the purported disagreement is yet unknown. Smith is working on a number of projects, one of which being the eagerly awaited “I Am Legend 2,” in which he will co-star with Michael B. Jordan.

Here’s the thing: Smith’s departure puts a strange spin on the movie’s future, particularly in terms of its box office potential. Because Smith was starring in the film, distributors were eager to support the $80 million production at Cannes and the European Film Market (EFM).

It’s noteworthy to note that Smith will remain involved in the project as a producer through his production firm Westbrook, but there is now serious anxiety over finding a replacement actor with the same level of star power.

Time is of the essence since there are some large shoes to fill.

Filming for “Sugar Bandits” was supposed to start in the upcoming months. The producers are still planning to release the movie in 2025, albeit that will depend on how soon they can find a new protagonist.

In addition, Chuck Hogan’s novel Devils in Exile will serve as the basis for the movie, which Stefano Sollima (“Sicario: Day of the Soldado”) is directing.

The protagonist of the tale is a former member of the special forces who organizes vigilantes to bust the drug trade in Boston. Hogan is credited with writing the movie’s script as well.

Smith’s exit “throws a major wrench into the film’s production schedule,” according to Deadline, and without a new lead, the distributors who initially supported the project might reconsider their commitment. It remains to be seen if a fresh actor can take up the part and live up to the high standards set by both fans and distributors for the movie starring Smith.

Give it a try, Will.