Hitting Instagram, Smith revealed the creators of The Matrix, The Wachowskis, originally wanted Smith to star in the film. He chose not to, so he opted for Wild Wild West (what a bummer), and ...

Will Smith sent social media into a frenzy after posting a cryptic message pitching the idea for a “Matrix” movie with him as the star. “In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role ...

Will Smith may be choosing between the red and blue pill, but the Oscar-winning actor isn’t entering the Matrix for a movie. Warner Bros. previously announced a fifth “Matrix” installment ...

Will Smith may be choosing between the red and blue pill, but the Oscar-winning actor isn’t entering the Matrix for a movie. Warner Bros. previously announced a fifth “Matrix” installment ...

In 2019, Smith posted a YouTube video to explain why he turned down a role in The Matrix to star in Wild Wild West. After making Men in Black, a movie Smith initially passed on, the Wachowskis ...

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.

Smith famously turned down The Matrix role to star in 1999’s Western comedy Wild Wild West, which reunited the actor with his Men In Black director Barry Sonnenfeld. “I’m not proud of it ...

Will Smith Stars in ‘The Matrix’ Parody 27 Years After Rejecting Neo Role. Watch Smith in the music video for "Beautiful Scars," where the actor-rapper finally gets to take the red pill.

The Oscar-winner shared a brief video with a Matrix-style message reading, "In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith turned it down.

In any case, Smith and Kilmer aren’t the only casting near-misses from those early production days, when the many now-iconic elements of The Matrix were still mere matters of conjecture.

Will Smith Finally Stars in THE MATRIX, Thanks to His ‘Beautiful Scars’ Music Video With Big Sean. Tai Gooden. Fri, January 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM UTC. 2 min read.