A Landmark Premiere at the Natural History Museum
Disney+ and National Geographic marked a major moment in documentary storytelling with the London premiere of Pole To Pole with Will Smith, held at the world-famous Natural History Museum. The evening brought together explorers, scientists, creatives, and media personalities to celebrate the launch of the ambitious seven-part series, which officially premiered on Disney+ on January 14.
Five years in the making, the docuseries captures Will Smith’s extraordinary expedition across every continent on Earth. From the frozen vastness of Antarctica to the dense jungles of the Amazon, the towering Himalayas, Africa’s sweeping deserts, remote Pacific islands, and the Arctic’s towering icebergs, the series presents a raw and awe-inspiring portrait of the planet.
Explorers, Experts, and Creative Minds Unite
Will Smith was joined at the premiere by key contributors from the series, including polar athlete Richard Parks, venomologist Dr. Bryan Fry, polar ecologist Allison Fong, and linguist Dr. Mary Walworth. Also in attendance were executive producers Terence Carter and Miguel Melendez from Westbrook Studios, alongside Jane Root, Peter Lovering, Tom Williams, and Ari Handel of Nutopia.
The event drew an impressive guest list featuring broadcasters Ade Adepitan, Hannah Stitfall, Joelah Noble, and Ayo Akinwolere, as well as zoologist Megan McCubbin. National Geographic explorers Bertie Gregory, Lia Kajiki, Tamana Ayazi, Melanie Gouby, and Anastasia Taylor Lind were also among the notable attendees, reinforcing the evening’s spirit of discovery and collaboration.
A Chilling First Episode and an Insightful Discussion
Following an introduction from wildlife presenter and National Geographic explorer Liz Bonnin, guests enjoyed an exclusive screening of the first episode. The opening chapter follows Will Smith to the South Pole, where temperatures can plunge below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Viewers watch as he skis and treks across immense icefields, battles relentless winds, and confronts towering walls of ice. With the guidance and support of elite polar athlete Richard Parks, Will pushes through extreme conditions, testing his endurance and resolve in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
After the screening, Liz Bonnin returned to host a thought-provoking panel discussion with Will Smith, Richard Parks, Dr. Bryan Fry, and Allison Fong. The conversation offered behind-the-scenes insights into the physical challenges, scientific discoveries, and personal reflections that shaped the series.
A Global Journey with Purpose
Inspired by the lessons of his late mentor, Will Smith embarks on a 100-day journey driven by curiosity and a desire to explore life’s biggest questions. Throughout the series, he takes on remarkable challenges—from skiing to the South Pole and climbing formidable mountains to encountering a giant anaconda and extracting venom from a tarantula.
Traveling from pole to pole alongside scientists, explorers, and local experts, Will’s experience becomes a powerful exploration of resilience, nature, and human connection, framed by National Geographic’s signature storytelling.
Now Streaming on Disney+
National Geographic’s Pole To Pole with Will Smith is now available exclusively on Disney+, inviting audiences to witness a bold, uplifting, and visually striking adventure that spans the entire globe.
