Theories abound after Will Smith shared a cryptic video on Instagram related to The matrix. But despite speculation among the media and active fandoms on social media, the actor is not involved in the new Matrix movie which is currently in development, Weekly Entertainment can confirm.
On Monday afternoon, Smith’s official Instagram page shared a video with a message about how the cinematic brotherly duo the Wachowskis once offered him the role of Neo before casting Keanu Reeves. Smith ultimately turned down the position to work on Wild Wild West; the message continues, “but the question remains: what The matrix Did it happen with Will Smith as Neo?”
“Wake up, Will… The Matrix got you…” the message concludes, referencing a scene from the first film.
After sharing the video, speculation began as to whether this could be the precursor to an announcement that Smith would join the cast of the fifth. Matrix film, which will be written, directed and produced by the Oscar nominee Drew Goddard (The Martian, The cabin in the woods). Lana Wachowskiwho came back without a sister Lily to lead the most recent entry, that of 2021 The Matrix Resurrectionswill be the executive producer of the next installment in the franchise.
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These theories about Smith, however, are not true. The Hollywood ReporterThe film’s editor, Aaron Couch, was the first to confirm on social networks. So what could it be? A Super Bowl commercial, perhaps?
In a 2019 video posted on his YouTube channelSmith explained why he turned down the role of Neo in 1999. The matrixwho would have continued with The Matrix Reloaded (2003), Matrix revolutions (2003), and Resurrections. “The Wachowskis came in and it was like they had only made one movie… They came in and they made a pitch for The matrix“, he says. “At the end of the day, they’re geniuses, but there’s a fine line in a pitch meeting between genius and what I experienced in the meeting.”
Murray Close/Warner Bros.
Based on Smith’s impression of the Wachowskis’ pitch, which he recreates in the video, it doesn’t seem like he’s really convinced. “So I did Wild Wild West“, he continued. “I’m not proud of it.” (Watch the full video.)
As for the new Matrix film, which was announced in April 2024, the studio’s president of production said in a press release: “Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all thought would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, both honoring what Lana and Lilly started over 25 years ago and providing a unique perspective based on her own love of series and characters. »
“It is not hyperbole to say The matrix “The films changed both cinema and my life,” Goddard said. “Lana and Lilly’s exquisite artistry inspires me every day and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world.”