Will Smith has contacted the original ”Karate Kid” for advice on his remake of the iconic film.

The 40-year-old star – whose 10-year-old son Jayden is set to star in the film – is a producer on the venture, and was keen to get some tips from Ralph Macchio.

Ralph, who played Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 film, said: “It was very cool. He called and said, ‘Would you mind getting on the phone with my son?’ I felt like Yoda speaking to a young Luke Skywalker, you know, from the ‘Star Wars’ movies.”

The 47-year-old actor was only too happy to impart his martial arts wisdom to the young star.

He told TV show ‘E! News’: “Jayden was adorable and completely respectful and excited. I just told him to have fun. That was my advice.”

Ralph admits he overreacted when he first heard the cult film was being remade.

In January, he said he’d had nothing to do with the new movie and was not convinced Jackie Chan was the right choice to star as karate teacher Mr. Miyagi, who was originally played by the late Pat Morita.

Ralph admitted: “I spoke too candidly about that at first. Look, I will look at anything that crosses the desk on it.”

“But I really think for the sake of the connection to those films and certainly the original film, I think that they’re going to want to create their own version of it that is its own thing.”

The “Seven Pounds” actor topped Forbes.com’s Star Currency list, which ranks stars according to their financial power at the box office.

Forbes said: “Will Smith stands alone as the only actor to score a perfect 10 among industry voters in the Star Currency survey.”

John Burman, of Forbes Media, has praised Will’s acting talents, saying: “He can move from doing the pop film to an ‘Ali’ to a ‘Seven Pounds’ to ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ so he’s able to play in all worlds and I think people just like watching him on screen.”

Will’s last eight films have all opened at number one in the US box office, and worldwide his three top-grossing films alone have made more than $2 billion.

Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Angelina Jolie all tied for second place in the survey, with a star currency score of 9.89.

Factors used to determine stars’ currency ratings included the box office success of their films, the ability to attract financing for a project and their appeal to different audience demographics.

The results are based on surveys of 150 movie professionals including directors and producers, who were asked to rate over 1,400 actors.

Other stars in the top 20 include Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon.

List of Forbes.com’s top 10 actors rated by Star Currency:

1 – Will Smith, Star Currency: 10
2 – Johnny Depp, Star Currency: 9.89
2 – Leonardo DiCaprio, Star Currency: 9.89
2 – Brad Pitt, Star Currency: 9.89
2 – Angelina Jolie, Star Currency: 9.89
6 – Tom Hanks, Star Currency: 9.87
7 – George Clooney, Star Currency: 9.81
8 – Denzel Washington, Star Currency: 9.76
9 – Matt Damon, Star Currency: 9.69
10 – Jack Nicholson, Star Currency: 9.68

Will Smith wants to play Barack Obama in a film.

The 40-year-old actor admits he would be unable to say no if the US President-Elect asked him to take on the role.

He said: “If I’m ordered by my Commander-In-Chief to star in the film, then I’ll do my duty as an American.”

Although Will is a staunch supporter of Obama, he insists he has no plans to follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzengger and move from acting to politics.

He said: “It’s a whole lot more fun to be a movie star. The President is a difficult job with a whole lot of lives on the line with every decision you make.”

“In my job I can just bring joy. I don’t have to bring bad news so I think I’ll stay in my position for quite a long time.”

In addition to portraying Obama, the actor recently revealed he would like to play former South African President Nelson Mandela and soul singer Marvin Gaye in a movie about their lives, but fears he isn’t “man enough” for the roles.

He said: “I’m not certain I’m actor enough yet. I love both of those, and I need to make sure I’m man enough.”

Jada Pinkett Smith won’t work with her husband Will Smith because she ”wants to stay married.”The “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” actress – who earlier this year stepped behind the camera for her directorial debut with “The Human Contract” – believes the couple’s relationship would struggle in a professional environment.

She said: “Will wanted to do ‘Madagascar’ with me but we decided to stay married.”

“I love being in control. I plan on being in control on a film sometime next year as well.”

Jada had previously asked Will to direct her scenes in “The Human Contract,” but admitted the request led to family tensions.

She said: “The family that directs together has to work hard to stay together!”

Earlier this year, the star confessed her marriage has its ups and downs, saying: “My life with Will is beautiful and sound.”

“But I don’t want people to misunderstand what that means. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have disagreements or that sometimes I want him out of my face and he wants me out of his.”

“We have moments in our love life when it’s really hot and moments in our love life when it’s not.”

“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is released worldwide this month.

Jada Pinkett Smith calls husband Will Smith ”Captain Correction.”

The actress – who has two children, Jaden, nine, and eight-year-old Willow, with the “Hancock” star, and is stepmother to his 15-year-old son Willard – says Will always thinks he is right and is forever pointing out people’s mistakes to them.

She told US TV show “Extra”: “I call him ‘Captain Correction’ because he knows everything. He’s always correcting you on something. Some fact, or the way you pronounce a word.”

Jada has also denied reports the couple have opened a Scientology school, insisting its curriculum is based on a variety of religions.

Jada – who is a devout follower of the controversial faith – said: “It’s a completely secular school. We have Muslims, Jews, Buddhists – I don’t discriminate against anyone.”

Will and Jada donated $1 million to California’s New Village Academy of Calabasas, where pupils are taught using several different teaching methods including “Study Technology” – a learning method which was developed by the bizarre sci-fi cult’s late creator L. Ron Hubbard.

It is also claimed at least six members of staff employed at the $11,659-a-year private academy are members of the religion.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are set to have a star-studded house-warming party.

The Hollywood couple, who recently moved into a $35 million Beverly Hills mansion, have invited a host of their A-list friends to a welcoming bash on May 31.

A source said: “Tom and Katie are thrilled they have finally moved into the house after purchasing it over a year ago. The property is stunning and they can’t wait to show it off.”

Guests include Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith and David and Victoria Beckham.

Tom and Katie – who have a two-year-old daughter Suri – splashed out on the stunning property last May and have spent almost 12 months renovating it.

Although they have only just moved into the mansion, the family will soon be relocating as it was recently revealed Katie will make her Broadway debut this autumn.

The “Mad Money” actress will star in the revival of Arthur Miller’s post-World War II play “All My Sons” on New York’s famous theater district.

Katie will appear on stage alongside John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest and Patrick Wilson.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has declined to co-star with Hollywood wonder-boy again.

This is the third time she has said no to the besotted Will Smith who in a BBC interview had raved about Rai-Bachchan, “She has this powerful energy where she doesn’t have to say anything, do anything, she can just stand there. Anything she’s making I’ll be there.”

Two years ago Will offered Aishwarya the comedy Hitch (later remade into Hindi with Salman Khan as Partner). She couldn’t do the film due to time constraints.

In quick succession, Aishwarya has turned down two Will Smith projects.

“That’s true,” she laughs. “I had to say no to Will for Tonight He Comes (Smith’s super-hero flick re-named John Hancock).I feel awful about it. But I’ve my priorities very straight. Yes, family always comes first.”

Contrary to reports Aishwarya didn’t decline another Will Smith project The Seven Pounds to celebrate Karwa Chauth with her husband Abhishek in Mumbai.

“That’s what they wrote in the US press …that I preferred to return to Mumbai to STARVE myself for a religious occasion than to meet Will for the film. That’s completely incorrect.

The script reading for The Seven Pounds was just after Diwali when Dadimaa’s (Mrs Teji Bachchan)’s health dipped drastically. So I didn’t make that trip out to LA for the reading with Will. Is that wrong? Not to me. I’d any day put family over career.”

So are Ash and Will star crossed? “When it has to happen it will happen. We’d love to work together. There’s something very charismatic about that actor. He gives off very nice vibes. He’s very adventurous as an actor.

He does I Am Legend and Pursuit Of Happiness at the same time. He’s an actor, rapper, and a great family man. He likes to be adventurous. I like that.”

Will Smith doesn’t wipe his own butt thanks to his hi-tech Japanese toilet.

The rapper-and-actor is delighted with the new gadgets he and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith have had installed in their home, which not only dispose of bodily waste but also clean the “user.”

Will raved: “We’ve installed these toilets from Japan in our new house in Los Angeles.”

“They’re paper free. Wherever you sit on the toilet, somehow it hits the bull’s eye perfectly. It cleans and then dries you. It is just water and then air.”

Earlier this month, Will injured his shoulder fighting blood-thirsty vampires.

The actor, who plays the last man alive in a world overrun by vampires in sci-fi film “I Am Legend,” was hurt while filming an action scene.

He was treated at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery and is still receiving physiotherapy.

Will plays Robert Neville in the futuristic film.

The 39-year-old Oscar nominee stars alongside his six-year-old daughter, Willow, who is making her big screen debut as his character’s child.

This year’s Oscar winners Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson kept their winning streaks alive Friday, while “Grey’s Anatomy” star Isaiah Washington claimed a best actor prize at the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards. “Ugly Betty” took top television honors.

Hudson, a former “American Idol” finalist, garnered a best supporting actress award for her role in the musical “Dreamgirls,” the same category she won at the Academy Awards on Sunday.

“There is nothing like being recognized and honored by your own,” said Hudson.

Whitaker, who won a best actor Oscar for “The Last King of Scotland,” earned the same prize at Friday’s ceremony, which honor projects and individuals who promote diversity in the arts.

“Doing this role gave me so many blessings,” said Whitaker, who plays a Ugandan dictator in the film. “One was being able to go back to Africa and touch my roots.”

Washington, who has been sharply criticized for uttering a gay slur on the set of his hit show, scored best actor for a drama series.

“I’m humbled and honored to be recognized by the NAACP,” said Washington, who announced earlier this year he would seek help after receiving a torrent of negative publicity for his comments.

“The first time I was up here I felt deserving of something,” he added. “This time I feel privileged.”

“The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith and his son, won best picture honors. Keke Palmer nabbed best actress for “Akeelah and the Bee,” and Djimon Hounsou took best supporting actor for “Blood Diamond.”

“This film means a lot to me for the simple reason that I’m from Africa,” said Hounsou to loud applause.

Rapper LL Cool J hosted the awards.

“I won’t ask you why the chicken crossed the road,” Cool J joked, telling the crowd it was his first time as a host. “I just ask that you bear with me. I’m going to try to carry this thing with dignity.”

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record) won a literary nonfiction Image Award for his book “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.” Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, did not attend the ceremony.

Vanessa Williams got the nod for best supporting actress in a comedy for “Ugly Betty,” which also won for best television comedy series.

The show is “a story about family, about feeling like an outsider, and as African-Americans in this business know, often we feel like an outsider,” said Williams.

America Ferrera, who plays Betty, said the show was successful because American viewers were anxious to see a show that represented the country’s diverse communities.

“We knew theme would connect with the American people, who wanted to see fresh faces they can connect with on television,” said Ferrera.

Prince, who was awarded best male music artist, read a poem about protecting the environment.

“Fifty years from now what will they say about us?” Prince asked.

Chandra Wilson won best supporting actress in a drama series for “Grey’s Anatomy.” She said she wished her deceased father could have been with her, as Friday would have been his birthday.

“His little daughter is real happy to be standing here,” she said.

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien was given the honorary President’s Award for her work as a journalist. Honorary recognition also included Bill Cosby’s induction into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame and the Chairman’s Award to Bono.

To repeated standing ovations, Bono talked about the need to eradicate poverty in the world.

“Today the world looks again to the NAACP,” said Bono. “We need the community that taught world about civil rights to teach it about human rights.”