The actor had been the main choice to play Neo, a role that finally went to Keanu Reeves.
Will Smith sparked speculation on Monday with a cryptic Instagram post noting how the actor turned down the lead role of Neo in the original 1999 sci-fi epic, Matrixdirected by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski.
The Instagram post, which features a Matrix-style computer font, read: “In 1997, The Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith rejected it. He chose Wild Wild West, believing it was a more suitable option 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…”
Will Smith star in a new Matrix movie?
According to The Hollywood Reporter portal, Will Smith will not join Warner Bros. and the director Drew Goddard in a new Matrix movie for the studio. This makes the video shared by the actor an extremely mysterious and curious fact.
Goddard, the screenwriter and director of The Martian, The Cabin in the Woods and World War Zwas chosen to write and direct a new film Matrix for Warner Bros. last year. This will be the first Matrix movie not directed by a Wachowski sister, although Lana Wachowski will serve as executive producer on the new project.
Released just over 25 years ago, Matrix captured the public’s imagination with a mind-blowing story, innovative special effects and a decisive performance by Keanu Reeves. The film, which grossed $467 million worldwide at the time, became a pop culture touchstone. Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions were released consecutively in 2003 to extend the film franchise, and Matrix: Resurrections will arrive in 2021.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
