Will Smith Hints At Matrix Reboot Casting

Will Smith
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 30: Will Smith attends Apple Original Films’ “Emancipation” Los Angeles premiere at Regency Village Theatre on November 30, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Will Smith has sparked speculation about joining The Matrix universe with a cryptic Instagram post shared on Monday. The post revisits his decision to decline the role of Neo in the original Matrix film, a role that ultimately went to Keanu Reeves.

“In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith turned it down,” read the on-screen text in Smith’s video. “But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo?” The post ended with the intriguing message, “Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you.”

Will Smith Revisiting the Role That Could Have Been

This isn’t the first time Smith has reflected on passing up The Matrix. In a 2019 YouTube video, he explained his decision, citing concerns about being typecast. “They made a pitch for The Matrix, and, as it turns out, they’re geniuses,” Smith admitted. “But there’s a fine line in a pitch meeting between genius and what I experienced.” At the time, he chose to star in Wild Wild West instead, a decision he has often joked about.

The timing of Smith’s post has fans speculating that he may be involved in The Matrix 5. Directed by Drew Goddard, the upcoming film marks a new chapter in the franchise, following 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. Goddard has shared his admiration for the original creators, stating, “It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life.” While Lana Wachowski will remain as an executive producer, neither she nor her sister Lilly will direct the project.

As The Matrix 5 serves as both a sequel and a soft reboot, casting changes are expected. Previous installments recast iconic roles like Morpheus and Agent Smith, leading to speculation that Neo could also be reimagined. Could Will Smith finally take up the mantle he once declined?

For now, the prospect remains tantalizingly unclear. Smith’s post ends with an open-ended question, keeping fans guessing about his involvement. As one commenter put it, “Is Will Smith about to rewrite the history of The Matrix?” Only time will tell.