Is Will Smith Going to Star in Matrix 5?

The Rumors and the Truth Behind the Buzz

Leave it up to Will Smith to ignite speculation over the internet. At the start of this year, Will Smith took to his Instagram and shared a cryptic post, leaving everyone questioning its meaning and validity.

Debates took over the internet, with conspiracies streaming in from everywhere.

Will Smith’s Cryptic Post

In January 2025, Will Smith caused an uproar on social media platforms with his cryptic message. The post, formatted in the film’s iconic green code, read, “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.”

The message continued with, “But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo?”

Fans’ Reaction

This post reflected on his 1997 decision to decline the role of Neo in The Matrix, which ended up igniting a flurry of speculation among fans.

Fans speculated that Will might be involved in the upcoming Matrix film. The message quickly garnered views and went viral, with fans expressing genuine excitement and curiosity.

Upcoming “Matrix” Film

In April 2024, Warner Bros. announced the production of a new installment of The Matrix franchise. Drew Goddard is set to write and direct the film.

Goddard is known for his exceptional work on The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the series.

Smith Shifts Focus

Despite the recent speculation that took over the internet, Will Smith won’t be involved in the upcoming Matrix project. Even though it seemed like the cryptic message was unrelated to The Matrix franchise, it wasn’t about the film.

Smith’s cryptic message is believed to be an upcoming project related to music. This is saddening news for fans who dearly expected Will’s appearance in the film.

Will Smith’s Music Project

The message Will posted on his Instagram is speculated to be related to music. If this is true, it means that Smith is returning to the music industry after nearly two decades.

Will Smith, in July 2024, signed a new record deal with the independent label Slang. The label is from the company Influene Media Partners, founded by musician Rene McLean.

Performance at the BET Awards

Will Smith made a triumphant return to the music scene by performing his new single You Can Make It at the BET Awards. The song’s lyrics are aimed at inspiring listeners to hold on amid great diversity.

This performance was an important moment in Smith’s career as it marked his first original song release since 2017. The song reflected the deeply personal and transformative journey Will Smith went through.

No.1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart

Featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service, Will Smith’s track You Can Make It quickly jumped to No.1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay. In an interview with Billboard, Smith stated, “I am grateful that it connected with radio and my fans so much.”

He added, “Thank you to gospel radio for the recognition. I’m excited to bring more music to my fans in 2025.”

Will Smith’s Resurgence in Music

Scoring No.1 position on the Billboard Charts marked a significant achievement for Will Smith. This accomplishment marked his first time leading a Billboard radio ranking since 1999.

In 1999, Will’s song Wild Wild West ruled the Rap Airplay Chart. However, after that success, Will focused on film rather than music.

The Oscar Incident

All was well and good until the slap incident. On March 27, 200, during the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith walked over to the stage and slapped presenter Chris Rock in response to a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia condition.

Smith’s actions came as a shock to everyone.

Aftermath and Acting Hiatus

Following the incident, Smith was banned from the Academy Awards for a total of 10 years. This ban means that Will can’t attend Academy-related events, virtual or physical, for the next decade.

It should be noted that the ban doesn’t affect his eligibility for future Oscar nominations. After this ban, many of Smith’s projects were put on hold, leading to a noticeable hiatus in his acting career.

“The Matrix” Success

Despite Will Smith’s decision to decline the role of Neo, The Matrix became a hit, a groundbreaking one. It grossed approximately $467 million worldwide and single-handedly redefined the sci-fi cinema.

The film’s success led to a successful franchise that includes sequels, video games, and a dedicated fan base. It, without a doubt, marked its place as a cultural phenomenon.

Keanu Reeves as Neo

Keanu Reeves opted for Neo’s character following Will Smith’s rejection. The character Neo is a computer hacker who discovers that reality is controlled by machines.

Reeves portrayal of Neo earned him recognition and praise from around the globe. Reeve’s performance was admired for its authenticity and depth, and his portrayal of Neo set a new standard for heroes in sci-fi films.

“The Matrix” Reboot Details

The Matrix universe is getting a new installment, making it the first film that will not be created with the direct involvement of Lana Wachowski. It should be noted that Lana is expected to serve as an executive producer, but her role is a little limited compared to previous films.

No official release date has been announced by the franchise. The film is currently in development, with the cast, theme, and plot kept under wraps.

A Taste For Winning

Fans often wondered why Will Smith went on to choose Wild Wild West instead of The Matrix , and they got the answer during his 2016 interview with Hollywood Reporter.

Smith stated, “I had so much success that I started to taste global blood, and my focus shifted from my artistry to winning. I wanted to win and be the biggest movie star.”

Will’s Wild Wild West might not have been a hit, but Bad Boys for Life surely was. Check out Bad Boys for Life, a record-breaking journey .

Will Smith’s Reflection

Will Smith has openly shared the fact that he deeply regrets turning down the iconic role of Neo. He acknowledged that his choice to star in Wild Wild West instead was a significant “misstep in his career.”

Reflecting on past choices, he highlights the importance of growth. For more insight into the Smiths’ journey, check out Jada & Will Smith: secrets, separation, and resilience .

Recommended:

Jaden Smith’s Paris Outburst: Aftermath of Will’s Oscars Slap

Reba McEntire Responds to Will Smith’s Bad Boys Shirt