In a recent Instagram post, longtime actor and musician Will Smith teased several promos with Matrix-style vibes. They're not technically connected to the Wachowski movies, nor are these part of an upcoming Warner Bros. project, but something big is in the works.
The clips include distinct scenes from The Matrix, except Will Smith has replaced the titular star. One is the rooftop scene where Neo (Keanu Reeves) encounters an Agent for the first time. Another revisits the sparring sequence between Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburn) and Neo.
What's interesting is their production quality is beyond comparison. It could be something Smith paid out of pocket, though the Matrix-style cues suggest a sponsored tie-in.
Another reason Smith's promos point to a new Matrix project is his past with the movies. The Fresh Prince actor received an offer to star in the original installment but turned it down. Reeves later took it on, becoming the face of the franchise. Smith's past pertains to the current promos because they could be a way for him to rewrite history, metaphorically speaking.
The tagline "follow the white rabbit" sounds like a cue, insinuating that there's more Matrix to explore. The fictional world is a simulation, so why can't alternate paths exist? Marvel, Disney, The Walking Dead. All the most popular franchises have created their own What If scenarios. The Matrix is due for one. And it's nothing new. The Animatrix animated series of shorts featured several protagonists with the same paths as Neo, only slightly different. The notion that they could have similar lives yet be distinctly unique from the theatrical hero points to numerous possibilities, endless ones even. That means Smith could become Neo.
Luckily, fans won't have to wait much longer to learn what Smith's mystery project holds. In truth, the set designs are for a music video that Smith is collaborating with Big Sean on. The song is entitled "Beautiful Scars."
What's unclear is why either artist chose to use a Matrix theme for a project unassociated with the franchise. Maybe they're trying to drum up hype for casting, or perhaps it is a sponsored tie-in with the series. The pair have announced a special screening/unveiling in five select cities across the United States: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The locations don't share much in common, except they're typically the sites of red-carpet events and big-budget premieres. They'll roll out on January 29, 2025, at 7 PM EST and 10 PM PST.