LONDON: Hollywood star Will Smith says he will play the role of Barack Obama if given the chance, but is rather more reluctant to take on the job of a real-life US president.

“If I am ordered by the Commander-In-Chief to star in the film, I will do my

duty as an American,” Smith said at the London premiere of his new film Seven Pounds. But the Hollywood star drew a line when it came to taking on the role of a real-life president. “It’s a whole lot more fun to be a movie star. That’s a difficult job with a whole lot of lives on the line with every decision you make. With my job, I can just bring joy, I don’t have to bring bad news,” he said.

Smith said he would be in the audience, as an “eyewitness to history,” rather than on the stage at Obama’s inauguration on January 20.

“You know I thought about that, but I think I’m going to keep it a little more subdued than that. I’m just going to stand there and be an eyewitness to history.”

A huge galaxy of stars are expected to participate in Obama’s inauguration ceremony Tuesday, including Beyonce, Usher, U2, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Renee Fleming, Garth Brooks, Mary J Blige, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend and Jennifer Nettles.