Will Smith pays homage to the iconic Matrix franchise in his latest music video for Beautiful Scars by reenacting some of its most memorable scenes. However, relief quickly set in on the internet that Smith turned down the role of Neo, which ended up going to Keanu Reeves, after seeing the actor’s attempt at the bullet-dodge scene.

Smith’s Matrix-Themed Music Video

Recently, rapper Big Sean and OBanga joined Will Smith to drop the music video for his new song, Beautiful Scars. For this video, Smith recreated some of the most important scenes of ‘The Matrix‘, such as taking the red pill, dodging bullets, and going into a hectic kung fu battle. The creative reuse of scenes from the sci-fi classic 1999 edition has gone beyond just paying homage. It also reminds one of the three-decade-old role Smith lost to the original actor in the role.

On January 6, Will Smith shared a cryptic Instagram video reflecting on his choice to turn down the role of Neo for Wild Wild West.

The post with the text “Wake up, Will. The Matrix has you” revisited the choice that changed the course of his career. He has stated in interviews that he later realized that no one had an idea how gigantic The Matrix was going to get. In 1997, the Wachowskis offered him the part of Neo, but he believed that Wild Wild West would be a better fit.

While Smith’s video version of The Matrix was a great pop music video, fans on social media were quick to point out Keanu Reeves was the perfect casting decision for Neo.


A commenter on X (formerly Twitter) stated: “Thanks Will, for letting that role pass. Keanu ended up being the one for it.”

One person quipped: “Keanu was the good call” followed by others appreciative that he took Wild Wild West over the film where this neo-geek, who had taken center stage would make Keanu’s iconic take a very unforgettable affair.

Legacy of The Matrix

While it eventually spawned a franchise into three sequels and the 2021 Matrix Resurrections, it was a box office disappointment for Wild Wild West. In retrospect, Smith’s decision to pass on the role must have been rather tough at the time, but it seems to have worked out for the best.

Looking ahead, Will Smith is set to release a new solo album, Based on a True Story, this March 2025—his first full-length album in more than two decades.