Will Smith Matrix Movie Teased In Cryptic Video After Actor Passed On Neo Role In 1997

Will Smith teases his potential involvement in a new The Matrix movie. Smith was offered the role of Neo for the original The Matrix movie in 1997 but turned it down to star in Wild Wild West, which became critically panned and performed poorly at the box office. The Matrix franchise returned with The Matrix Resurrections in 2021, and Warner Bros. later confirmed The Matrix 5 is in development, although the Wachowski sisters will not direct this time, with The Cabin in the Woods‘ Drew Goddard directing instead.

On Instagram, Smith has now shared a cryptic video that references him turning down the role and the Matrix telling him to wake up. The words are typed out on a computer and with a font reminiscent of the original Matrix movie, complete with the sound of a keyboard clacking in the background. The message on the screens asks “What would the Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo?” before the Matrix ominously reveals that it has him. Check out the video below:

What This Means For The Matrix

The Matrix 5 May Feature Will Smith As Neo

Smith’s video could be the first indicator of The Matrix 5‘s story and cast could look like. It may be the franchise’s first installment without Keanu Reeves as Neo and may feature the iconic character being played by Smith instead. This would not be the first time the franchise has recast major characters, with The Matrix Resurrections having Jonathan Groff play Agent Smith instead of Hugo Weaving and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II playing a version of Morpheus instead of Laurence Fishburne.

In the cases of Smith and Morpheus, The Matrix Resurrections found narrative in-universe reasons to explain why these prominent characters were recast and why they looked different. If Smith is playing Neo in The Matrix 5, the sequel will need to have an in-universe explanation for the character’s different appearance and demeanor. Smith playing Neo is also possible as a reboot of the franchise, meaning someone other than Carrie-Anne Moss may play Trinity as well. The Matrix Resurrections felt like a sequel and a soft reboot, but The Matrix 5 could solely be a reboot.

Our Take On Will Smith’s Video

Will Smith As Neo Could Be The Franchise’s Biggest Shift Yet

While the details behind Smith’s video need to be clarified, acknowledging how he passed on playing Neo, and the idea of him now playing the character, would be a compelling way to begin generating excitement for The Matrix 5. None of The Matrix movies have been able to live up to the original, but that could change with a story led by Smith and an entirely new cast. The Matrix‘s next movie may be able to chart a truly new course for the franchise for the first time since 1999.

Source: Will Smith (Instagram)