Will Smith sparks ‘Matrix’ rumors with cryptic post, insiders confirm he’s not involved

Will Smith posted an ambiguous teaser about being in a new 'Matrix' film which has since been debunked by insiders.

Will Smith set the internet ablaze with speculation about his potential involvement in a new Matrix movie after posting a cryptic Instagram message referencing the iconic sci-fi franchise. However, insiders have now confirmed that the actor is not part of the upcoming project.

Smith’s post, written in Matrix-style font, revisited his decision to pass on the role of Neo in 1999. “In 1997, the Wachowski’s 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. But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo? Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you…”

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

 

Fans quickly theorized that Smith might appear in the new Matrix film, which is being directed by Drew Goddard (The Martian, The Cabin in the Woods). However, insiders at Warner Bros. told The Hollywood Reporter that Smith is not involved in the project.

The upcoming Matrix installment will be the first without the Wachowski siblings in the director’s chair, though Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer. The original Matrix was a groundbreaking success, grossing $467 million worldwide and redefining sci-fi cinema.

Smith’s decision to pass on the original Matrix in favor of Wild Wild West is often revisited as one of Hollywood’s biggest "what-ifs." While The Matrix became a cultural phenomenon, Wild Wild West failed to achieve similar success.