Will Smith's 'The Matrix' movie post starring him sends fans into frenzy, Warner Bros replies

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Will Smith sparked an online buzz after posting a cryptic message hinting at the idea of him starring in a 'Matrix' movie.

The actor shared the post on Instagram on Monday, January 6, which quickly drew responses from fans and celebrities.

Will Smith asks, 'What would 'The Matrix' have been like with Will Smith as Neo?'

The post referenced Will Smith’s earlier decision to turn down the role of Neo in the 1999 sci-fi hit 'The Matrix', which ultimately went to Keanu Reeves.

Smith’s Instagram post included text that read, “In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in ‘The Matrix.’ Smith turned it down.”

The post continued, “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?”

The text appeared in red with eerie music playing in the background, followed by another message stating, “Wake up, Will … The Matrix has you ….”

Chance the Rapper and fans react to Will Smith's post 'Matrix' post

Fans and celebrities quickly responded to Will Smith’s post. Grammy-winning rapper Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, known professionally as Chance the Rapper, also commented on Instagram, "Make it happen."

Actor-comedian Tahir Moore also wrote, "Don’t play with my heart like this!!"

One fan asked, "Tell me more!!!!!" while another wrote, "Will and Keanu together in the next Matrix movie, please don't give me false hopes."

"Is this a hint that you’re gonna be in the next matrix movie?" asked one more.

Some fans expressed their preference for Reeves, with one stating, "Sorry you're really brilliant actor, But there couldn't have been anyone better than Keanu for the role."

Another added, "Love u Will, but I can’t unsee Keanu Reeves."

Warner Bros responds to speculation following Will Smiths post on 'Matrix'

Warner Bros, currently working on the fifth installment of 'The Matrix' franchise with original writer-director Lana Wachowski as an executive producer, responded to Will Smith’s post.

The studio told The Wrap that Smith’s post had “nothing” to do with their plans for the upcoming film.

Smith’s decision to pass on the role of Neo ultimately paved the way for Reeves to star in the hit film, which spawned three sequels and an animated spinoff.

Will Smith on why he turned down 'The Matrix'

Will Smith previously addressed his decision to turn down the role of Neo in a video titled 'Why I Turned Down ‘The Matrix'.

“This is one of them stories I’m not proud of, but it’s the truth … I did turn down Neo in ‘The Matrix,’” Smith said at the time.

He also praised the Wachowskis, calling them "geniuses" but noted their pitch was hard to grasp.

Describing the meeting, Smith said, "There’s a fine line in a pitch meeting between genius and what I experienced in the meeting."

Smith recalled being told about the film’s visuals, including slow-motion jumps and 360-degree camera angles. He added, “So, I made ‘Wild Wild West'."

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