- Wild Wild West star has posted a cryptic video on Instagram
- Will Smith famously turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix
- The fourth Matrix film didn’t do well at the box office on release in 2021
Will Smith famously turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix back in 1997, but now, nearly 30 years on, is he about to join the iconic movie franchise?
It is one of those decisions that has gone down in movie folklore. Smith decided to star in Wild Wild West, and the role of Neo went to Keanu Reeves instead. The Matrix, released in 1999, went on to become a huge hit and spawned an iconic franchise, while Wild Wild West… let’s just say that it didn’t get a sequel.
Will Smith cryptic Matrix post
But now, could Smith be looking to right a wrong from his career? Smith posted a cryptic video on his 69.6 million Instagram followers, which indicates that he is involved in the upcoming Matrix 5 film.
The video, showing red type on a black screen – in the Matrix style – reads as follows: “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…”
Thus far, Smith hasn’t followed up this post with any announcement. Likewise, Warner Bros has remained silent about who will star in the Matrix 5. The Hollywood Reporter has quoted unnamed insiders saying that Smith won’t be in the film, however.
Matrix 5 in the works
Matrix 5 was confirmed to be in the works last year. Drew Goddard is on board to write and direct the movie – the first time one of the Wachowski’s will not be at the helm, although Lana will be an executive producer on it. There has, as yet, been no word if Keanu Reeves will be involved.
The most recent film in the series, 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, was not well received by critics or theatregoers.
Whatever the truth is about Matrix 5, there are unanswered questions. Is Smith going to be in the film and, if so, will be playing Neo or not. If he isn’t involved in the film, then what was that post all about?
