Will Smith Finally Portrays Neo in Matrix-Themed Music Video

by Annika January 30, 2025

Nearly three decades after famously rejecting the lead role in The Matrix, Will Smith is finally getting a taste of what it would have been like to play Neo. In a new music video for “Beautiful Scars,” Smith takes on the iconic scenes from the movie, including swallowing the red pill and engaging in kung fu fights. While it may only be a music video, fans can catch a glimpse of what Smith’s portrayal of Neo might have been like. Smith previously explained his decision to turn down the role, citing his involvement in “Wild Wild West” and concerns about casting decisions.

Will Smith Finally Portrays Neo in Matrix-Themed Music Video

Will Smith rejected the lead role in The Matrix in 1999 but has now portrayed a Matrix-themed version of the character in a music video; in a video, Smith humorously explains that he turned down the role due to a confusing pitch by the Wachowskis and instead chose to star in the sci-fi flop Wild Wild West; Smith believes he would have ruined the film and praises Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne’s performances.

Will Smith is finally getting the chance to play Neo, the iconic lead role in the 1999 blockbuster film The Matrix, nearly three decades after he famously rejected the part. In a music video titled “Beautiful Scars,” Smith collaborates with rapper Big Sean and OBanga to create a Matrix-themed video. In this video, Smith portrays his own version of several iconic scenes from the movie, such as taking the red pill, performing the “bullet time” stunt, and engaging in fights within the kung fu simulator. Although it is a music video, it allows fans to visualize how Smith might have appeared in the actual film.

Five years ago, Smith shared a video in which he explained the reasons behind his decision to reject The Matrix after a meeting with the creators, the Wachowskis, in 1998. He confessed that he is not proud of his choice, but it was the truth. After the success of Men in Black, the Wachowskis approached him with a pitch for The Matrix, having only directed the movie Bound at the time. Smith humorously reenacts the pitch meeting, highlighting how the Wachowskis discussed extravagant action moves without delving into the plot or characters. Ultimately, Smith decided to star in the notorious 1999 sci-fi flop Wild Wild West instead.

Reflecting on his decision, Smith acknowledges that Keanu Reeves was a perfect choice for the role of Neo, as was Laurence Fishburne for the character Morpheus. Smith believes that if he had accepted the role, Morpheus would not have been portrayed by a Black actor, as Val Kilmer was being considered for the part. Smith humorously admits that he would have likely ruined The Matrix and believes that by declining the role, he did the franchise a favor.

Ultimately, Keanu Reeves took on the role of Neo and went on to portray the character in three sequels. Smith also shares an anecdote about how he almost turned down the hit film Men in Black after starring in Independence Day the previous year. However, after a serious conversation with producer Steven Spielberg, Smith decided to trust Spielberg’s judgment and accept the role.