Will Smith sparked a social media frenzy yesterday when he posted a mysterious video on his social channels. The clip reflected on the actor’s decision nearly 25 years ago to turn down The Matrix in favor of Wild Wild West. It concluded with the intriguing message: “Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you.” Fans quickly speculated that Smith might be making a return to the Matrix universe. However, a new report from Deadline has cleared up the confusion.
According to Deadline, Smith is not part of the cast for the upcoming Matrix movie. The report reveals that the video was a tease for a new music project the actor is working on, not a film role. While it would have been fascinating to see Smith’s involvement in the Matrix saga, his return to music has also excited fans.
Smith’s last album, Lost and Found, was released in 2005, featuring the hit single “Switch,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. In June 2024, he dropped his first single in nearly two decades, the gospel-hip-hop track “You Can Make It.” Fans are eager to see what he has in store next, particularly with a Matrix-themed project.
After recovering from the 2022 Oscars incident, Smith made a successful return to the big screen in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which was well-received. The actor also has several exciting sequels in the works, including his return as scientist Robert Neville in I Am Legend 2. The film, initially announced in 2022 with Michael B. Jordan cast alongside Smith, is still in development with Steven Caple Jr. attached to direct.
Meanwhile, the Matrix franchise celebrated its 25th anniversary last year with a special rerelease. The original film, starring Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, became a cultural landmark, known for its groundbreaking narrative, stellar performances, and deep philosophical themes. Although The Matrix: Resurrections (2021) failed to capture the same magic and received mixed reviews, it remains a part of the Matrix legacy.
The next installment in the series is being written and directed by Drew Goddard, with Lana Wachowski set to executive produce. While plot details remain under wraps, the upcoming film is expected to continue the story and themes that made the original films so iconic.
There is no official release date for The Matrix 5 yet, but fans can stream the existing films on Max. Stay tuned for more updates from Collider.
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