However, Reeves' role in the Matrix cast nearly went to Smith, but the actor - who had recently been the star of the hit sci-fi movies Independence Day and Men in Black - said no to the offer.

By James Hibberd Writer-at-Large Five years ago, Smith posted a video (also below) breaking down exactly why he turned down The Matrix after a meeting with creators the Wachowskis back in 1998.

Will Smith and Big Sean have released a 'Matrix'-inspired music video for their song 'Beautiful Scars.' Smith is also ...

Lawmakers overturn ban on common store item even after majority of constituents voted in favor: 'We [shouldn't] have to keep fighting with the courts' NASA discovers a planet much larger than Earth ...

Will Smith is finally making good on the casting that never was and suiting up as Neo from “The Matrix” in a new music video with Big Sean. “Beautiful Scars” dropped Thursday, becoming the ...

The video plays on the classic sci-fi film The Matrix, with Smith (playing Neo, the role made famous by Keanu Reeves) offered either a red pill or a blue pill by Big Sean (Morpheus, originally played ...

It appears Will Smith's recent teases tied to The Matrix weren't related to a potential appearance in the upcoming sequel after all. The Oscar-winning actor transforms into the franchise's most ...

Will Smith is getting to play Neo nearly three decades after he famously rejected the lead role in the 1999 blockbuster The Matrix. In the music video "Beautiful Scars" (below), Smith teams with ...

Will Smith is getting to play Neo nearly three decades after he famously rejected the lead role in the 1999 blockbuster The Matrix. In the music video “Beautiful Scars” (below), Smith teams ...