Will Smith is sending fans into a frenzy with a cryptic post that hints at his possible involvement in a new The Matrix movie.
The actor, who famously turned down the iconic role of Neo in the 1999 blockbuster, shared a mysterious message on Instagram that references his past decision and the phrase “Wake up.”
Could this be a clue that the Men in Black star is finally ready to take on the role that could have changed the course of his career?
Back in 1997, Smith was offered the role of Neo in The Matrix, the groundbreaking sci-fi film from the Wachowskis. However, Smith chose to pass on the opportunity, opting instead to star in Wild Wild West, a decision he later admitted was a mistake. At the time, Smith believed that Wild Wild West was a better fit for his brand, but the world would soon see how much of a cultural phenomenon The Matrix would become.
Now, in 2025, Smith’s recent cryptic Instagram post has rekindled interest in that “what if” scenario. The post features a still from The Matrix with the iconic “Wake up” message, a direct reference to the memorable line spoken to Neo by Morpheus.
Could he be hinting at a new project, perhaps an alternate universe version of Neo, or even a cameo in a future Matrix film?
While it’s unclear what Smith’s intentions are, his cryptic post has certainly sparked curiosity. The question now remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo? Would his version of the character have been as iconic as Keanu Reeves‘ portrayal, or would it have been a completely different experience?
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com
