Will Smith and his son Jaden (front) arrive at "The Pursuit of Happyness" premiere?
AFP/File Gabriel Bouys

London: Actor Will Smith has been named the most powerful actor on the planet by dethroning last year's topper, Tom Cruise, in US magazine Newsweek's annual list.

Smith beat off competition from obvious favorites like Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt this year.

A producer said that Will Smith is the only thing in Hollywood to 'guarantee an opening weekend'.

"Let's put it this way. There's Will Smith and then there are the mortals. Will is the only thing in this business, the only thing, that guarantees an opening weekend," The Sun quoted the producer, as saying.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star Depp made it to the second spot and actor Ben Stiller secured the third place.

Brad Pitt came at the fourth spot, and Oscar nominee Tom Cruise slipped to the fifth position.(ANI)