Will Smith will not be joining Warner Bros. and director Drew Goddard in a new Matrix film, according to insiders speaking with The Hollywood Reporter.
This leaves fans speculating about the meaning behind Smith’s recent cryptic Instagram post, which revisited his decision to pass on the role of Neo in the original 1999 sci-fi classic The Matrix, directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski.
In the Instagram post, which featured the iconic Matrix-style green computer font, Smith wrote:
“In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith turned it down. He chose Wild Wild West, believing it was a better fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo? Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you…”
The original Matrix became a groundbreaking, generation-defining film, revolutionizing science fiction with its mind-bending narrative, innovative visual effects, and Keanu Reeves’ iconic portrayal of Neo. Grossing $467 million worldwide, it became a pop culture phenomenon.
In contrast, Smith’s choice to star in Barry Sonnenfeld’s Wild Wild West proved to be a rare misstep for the actor. The action-comedy, co-starring Kevin Kline, was panned by critics and underperformed at the box office.
Smith’s post has left fans puzzled about whether it hints at involvement in a related project or if it’s merely a reflection on a pivotal career decision.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. is moving forward with a new Matrix film, with Drew Goddard—known for The Martian, The Cabin in the Woods, and World War Z—at the helm as writer and director. This will mark the first Matrix feature not directed by a Wachowski sibling, though Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer.
The original Matrix, released over 25 years ago, captivated audiences with its thought-provoking themes, cutting-edge special effects, and philosophical undertones. It spawned two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, which were released in 2003, followed by The Matrix Resurrections in 2021.
Smith, who first gained fame as a rapper and star of the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, became one of the biggest box office draws of the 1990s with hits like Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997).
Last year, he returned to success with co-star Martin Lawrence in Sony’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die, a project that aimed to reignite his film career following the fallout from his infamous altercation with Oscar host Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards.
As speculation about the next Matrix installment builds, Smith’s cryptic post serves as a reminder of the career-defining choices that shaped both his journey and the legacy of the Matrix franchise.
