Official Selection
Pole to Pole with Will Smith is a landmark global adventure documentary series produced by National Geographic in collaboration with Westbrook Studios. The series follows world-renowned actor and storyteller Will Smith as he embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition from the South Pole to the North Pole, traversing all seven continents.
Blending breathtaking natural landscapes with deeply human stories, the series explores resilience, curiosity, environmental awareness, and personal growth—offering an intimate look at our planet and the people who call it home.
Project Details
- Title: Pole to Pole with Will Smith
- Format: Documentary Series (7 Episodes)
- Genre: Adventure / Exploration / Nature / Inspirational
- Language: English
- Filming Locations: Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Arctic
- Release Year: 2026
- Platform: National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu
Director & Creative Team
- Host & Executive Producer: Will Smith
- Production Company: National Geographic
- Partner Studios: Westbrook Studios, Nutopia, Protozoa Pictures
- Directors: [Multiple episode directors]
- Cinematography: National Geographic Expedition Team
- Music / Score: National Geographic Original Score
Synopsis
Pole to Pole with Will Smith documents an extraordinary 100-day journey across the planet’s most extreme and diverse environments. Beginning in the frozen isolation of Antarctica and concluding at the Arctic North Pole, Will Smith pushes his physical and mental boundaries while immersing himself in cultures, science, and nature.
Along the way, he treks through rainforests, deserts, mountains, and oceans—joining scientists, explorers, and indigenous communities. Each episode uncovers powerful stories of survival, adaptation, and hope, while also reflecting on humanity’s responsibility toward Earth.
The series is both an epic adventure and a deeply personal exploration of courage, fear, and connection.
Cast / Featured Personalities
- Will Smith – Host & Central Figure
- Scientists, explorers, conservationists
- Indigenous community leaders
- Environmental researchers and local guides
Themes and Style
- Exploration of Earth’s extreme environments
- Human resilience and adaptability
- Environmental conservation and climate awareness
- Cultural connection and storytelling
- Cinematic, immersive visuals
- Real-life documentary with personal reflection
Recognition and Impact
- One of National Geographic’s most ambitious global documentary series
- Widely anticipated for its scale, storytelling, and cinematic excellence
- Praised for blending celebrity-led storytelling with meaningful exploration
Director’s / Host’s Vision
“This journey isn’t just about traveling from one pole to another—it’s about discovering who we are when we’re pushed to our limits, and how deeply connected we all are to this planet.”
— Will Smith
Key Takeaways
- Genre: Documentary / Adventure / Nature
- Best For:
- Travel and adventure lovers
- Nature and environmental enthusiasts
- Motivational and human-story audiences