Will Smith Rewrites History in a Matrix-Inspired Music Video—And Throws in an Oscars Slap Joke

Will Smith has taken a trip down memory lane with his latest music video, revisiting one of the biggest “what if” moments of his career—turning down the lead role in The Matrix.  

 

The sci-fi masterpiece, directed by The Wachowskis, introduced Keanu Reeves as Neo, the Chosen One destined to break humanity free from a simulated reality. But few people know that before Reeves landed the part, the role was originally offered to Smith. Fresh off his success with Independence Day and Men in Black, he ultimately declined, a decision that has haunted pop culture conversations ever since.  

 

Now, over 25 years later, Smith is stepping into Neo’s shoes—at least in a music video. His new track, Beautiful Scars, featuring Big Sean and OBanga, opens with a throwback clip of Smith reflecting on rejecting The Matrix. This time, he gets a second chance. The video kicks off with Big Sean dressed as Morpheus, offering Smith the iconic red and blue pills. Choosing the red pill gives him the opportunity to rewrite his past mistake.  

 

But the self-referential humor doesn’t stop there. The video also includes a subtle nod to the infamous 2022 Oscars moment, where Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. In a surreal twist, Smith takes both pills, launching into a Matrix-inspired dreamscape where he channels Neo, recreates classic scenes from the 1999 film, and delivers a rap infused with Matrix-themed lyrics.  

 

Fans had speculated about a possible return to the Matrix franchise after Smith teased the project on Instagram earlier this year. However, despite the buzz, The Hollywood Reporter quickly shut down rumors of his involvement in a new movie.  

 

Beyond the cinematic tribute, Beautiful Scars also marks Smith’s long-awaited return to music. Although he started his career as a rapper, he hasn’t released a studio album since 2005, and before 2024, hadn’t starred in a music video for years. This latest release proves that Smith is still a force to be reckoned with in entertainment—whether in music, film, or rewriting his own history.  

 

Despite missing out on The Matrix, Smith’s career trajectory never suffered. While his 1999 film Wild Wild West bombed at the box office, he went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, with roles in I Am Legend, Suicide Squad, and Disney’s Aladdin remake. And with an Academy Award for King Richard, it’s clear—he never needed to be Neo to cement his legacy.