Will Smith Teams Up with Big Sean to Unveil ‘Matrix’-Inspired Project
Will Smith has partnered with rapper Big Sean to reveal the mystery behind his recent teaser referencing The Matrix. While fans initially speculated that Smith might star in a new instalment of the iconic sci-fi franchise, it has been confirmed that the teaser is actually tied to a new collaborative single titled “Beautiful Scars.”
The announcement came in the form of a trailer shared by Smith on Sunday (January 26). The video recreates the famous red pill/blue pill scene from the 1999 film, with Big Sean portraying Morpheus and Smith stepping into the role of Neo.
In the teaser, Sean, as Morpheus, tells Smith: “You’ve made some awesome career choices your whole life. There’s only one you truly regret. Well, maybe two, but we’re not gonna focus on that one,” referencing Smith’s controversial slap at the 2022 Oscars.
Sean then offers Smith the choice between the blue pill, which would allow him to move on with his life, or the red pill, giving him the chance to revisit the role of Neo—a part Smith famously declined in favor of Wild Wild West. Defying expectations, Smith humorously takes both pills, leaving Sean visibly stunned.
A Creative Homage to The Matrix
The teaser ends on a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager to see how the story unfolds in the full music video, which is set to release on Thursday (January 30). While details remain under wraps, it’s expected that the video for “Beautiful Scars” will also pay homage to The Matrix.
Smith’s Matrix-related teasers began earlier this month with an Instagram post revisiting his decision to pass on the role of Neo in favor of Wild Wild West. The post read: “In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith turned it down. He chose Wild Wild West, believing it was a better fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo? Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you…”
Despite this playful nod, insiders confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Smith is not involved in any upcoming Matrix films, including a project directed by Drew Goddard that was announced last year.
Fans Speculate on Bigger Plans
Some fans have speculated that the teaser may also serve as promotion for an upcoming Super Bowl commercial, though this remains unconfirmed. For now, all eyes are on the release of “Beautiful Scars,” as audiences anticipate how Smith and Big Sean will blend music and cinematic nostalgia in their collaboration.
