The Impact of Will Smith Turning Down the Role of Neo in The Matrix

by Annika January 6, 2025

Will Smith will not be joining Warner Bros. and director Drew Goddard in a new Matrix movie for the studio, insiders tell The Hollywood Reporter. That leaves open a mystery Smith sparked on Monday with a cryptic Instagram post noting how Smith passed on the starring role of Neo in the original 1999 sci-fi epic The Matrix, directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski. The Instagram post – featuring Matrix-style computer font – stated: “In 1997, the Wachowski’s offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith turned it down.”

The Impact of Will Smith Turning Down the Role of Neo in The Matrix

– Will Smith will not be joining Warner Bros. and director Drew Goddard in a new Matrix movie.
– Smith revealed in an Instagram post that he turned down the role of Neo in the original Matrix film in favor of Wild Wild West, which turned out to be a flop.
– It is unclear what Smith’s Instagram post is teasing, but Goddard is set to write and direct a new Matrix feature for Warner Bros.

Will Smith, renowned actor and musician, has been making headlines lately with his recent Instagram post. The post has sparked curiosity and speculation among fans and industry insiders alike. Smith’s cryptic message mentioned how he passed on the opportunity to play the iconic role of Neo in the original 1999 sci-fi epic, The Matrix. Directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, The Matrix went on to become a generation-defining hit while Smith opted to star in the less successful film, Wild Wild West. This revelation has left many wondering what The Matrix would have been like with Will Smith as Neo.

Smith’s Instagram post, featuring Matrix-style computer font, stated that he turned down the role of Neo in 1997. He believed that Wild Wild West was a better fit for him at the time. However, the question remains: what would The Matrix have been like with Smith as Neo? This mystery has captivated fans and has ignited a wave of speculation about the alternative reality where Smith took on the role.

The Matrix, released over 25 years ago, had a profound impact on audiences. With its mind-bending story, groundbreaking special effects, and Keanu Reeves’ memorable performance, the film became a pop culture phenomenon. Grossing 7 million worldwide at the time, it solidified its place as a touchstone in the industry. The Matrix franchise continued with two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, both released in 2003. The latest installment, The Matrix: Resurrections, arrived in 2021.

Meanwhile, Smith’s career trajectory has been marked by both successes and missteps. Rising to fame as a rapper and starring in the beloved ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith transitioned into the film industry and became one of the world’s biggest movie stars. Films like Independence Day and Men in Black solidified his status as a leading man. However, he faced a scandal in 2022 after slapping Oscar host Chris Rock on live television, which affected his public image. Smith’s recent hit film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, aimed to reignite his movie career and prove that he still has what it takes to dominate the box office.

As for The Matrix, director Drew Goddard was tapped to write and direct a new installment for Warner Bros. It would be the first film in the franchise not directed by one of the Wachowski siblings, although Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer. While Smith’s recent Instagram post may not directly relate to this new project, it has certainly reignited interest in The Matrix and the alternate reality where Smith portrayed Neo.