Is Will Smith eyeing something Matrix-related?
The Oscar winner got fans talking on Monday (January 6) when he dropped a mysterious Matrix-themed post on Instagram – especially interesting since he famously passed on playing Neo about 26 years ago, a role that went to Keanu Reeves.
His post read: “In 1997, the Wachowskis approached Will Smith to play Neo in The Matrix. Smith said no and did Wild Wild West instead, thinking it was more his style at the time. But here’s the thing: What if Will Smith had actually played Neo in The Matrix?”
The clip ended with an ominous message: “Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you…”
While Smith’s post got fans hyped about him possibly joining the franchise, Variety says he’s not actually lined up for the next Matrix movie. According to Deadline, the fifth installment will be helmed by Drew Goddard, following up on 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections.
Fun fact: Back in the day, not only was Smith up for Neo, but his wife Jada Pinkett Smith tried out for Trinity (which went to Carrie-Anne Moss) – a story she spills in her book Worthy. She did end up joining the Matrix universe though, playing Niobe in The Matrix Reloaded in 2003.
While Smith picked Wild Wild West instead of The Matrix that year, his choice didn’t quite pay off. Even though the steampunk Western comedy pulled in $222.1 million worldwide, critics absolutely roasted it.
Speaking of missed opportunities, The Matrix isn’t the only blockbuster Smith passed on. According to Movie Web, he also said no to Boyz in the Hood, Django Unchained, and Rush Hour.
