Will Smith plays Neo in a new Matrix-inspired music video for his song ‘Beautiful Scars,’ a collaboration with rapper Big Sean and OBanga.
The video marks a long-awaited return to the sci-fi role Smith famously turned down over two decades ago. In the video, Smith takes on the role of Neo, originally portrayed by Keanu Reeves in the 1999 blockbuster ‘The Matrix,’ while Big Sean plays Morpheus, a role made famous by Laurence Fishburne.
‘Beautiful Scars,’ produced by OmArr and LeXoskeleton, delves into the struggles of fame and learning from mistakes. The song is part of Smith's upcoming solo album, ‘Based on a True Story,’ which is set for release in March 2025. This will be his first full-length album in over 20 years.
Earlier this month, Smith posted a video on Instagram reflecting on his decision to turn down the role of Neo in ‘The Matrix’ back in 1997. He explained that he chose ‘Wild Wild West’ over ‘The Matrix,’ believing it was a better fit at the time. Smith also shared a message questioning how the film might have turned out with him in the lead role.
In 2019, Smith elaborated on the decision in a YouTube video, revealing that the Wachowskis’ unconventional pitch for the film, focusing more on innovative camera techniques than the plot, failed to capture his interest.
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