Will Smith has long been the subject of Hollywood’s “what if” scenarios, with one particular missed opportunity being his near-casting as Neo in The Matrix back in 1997. However, it appears that Smith is now teasing some kind of collaboration with the franchise.
In a recent Instagram post, Smith shared a video message reminiscing about being almost cast as Neo and asked fans to consider what the film would have been like if he had taken on the iconic role. The post ended with an enigmatic message reading “Wake up, Will…The Matrix has you…”
Despite this tease, it’s unclear whether Smith will be starring in the next Matrix movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming film directed by Drew Goddard won’t feature Smith. Instead, Goddard is set to write and direct the new installment for Warner Bros.
Lana Wachowski, the sister of the original duo behind The Matrix, will serve as executive producer on Goddard’s movie. This marks the first mainline Matrix film without the involvement of the Wachowskis, who directed all four previous films in the franchise. The most recent installment, The Matrix: Resurrections, concluded Neo’s story and set the stage for further adventures in The Matrix universe.
The reception of Resurrections was mixed, with critics praising its innovative ideas but criticizing its execution. With Goddard at the helm, fans will be eager to see what new directions the franchise takes. As one of the most iconic franchises in sci-fi history, The Matrix continues to captivate audiences and inspire new stories.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/will-smith-posts-mysterious-message-about-the-matrix