Will Smith and Big Sean Release New Single “Beautiful Scars” and Recreate Iconic Matrix Scene

Will Smith and Big Sean are teaming up for their highly anticipated new single, “Beautiful Scars,” set to release on January 30th. The collaboration is part of a larger project as Smith prepares to drop a new studio album, his first in several years. To promote the upcoming single, the two stars have gone all out with a creative video that has fans buzzing—an homage to the iconic scene from The Matrix.
The Matrix Revisited: Will Smith and Big Sean’s Creative Twist
In the video, Big Sean takes on the role of Morpheus, the wise mentor from the Matrix franchise, while Will Smith channels a playful version of himself, facing a pivotal choice. Morpheus offers him two pills: one that allows Smith’s life to remain the same, and the other that would allow him to “go back and star in that one movie that got away”—a clear reference to his decision to pass on the role of Neo in The Matrix back in 1997. Fans have been loving the playful twist, with many taking to social media to praise the duo’s creativity.
One comment on YouTube reads, “This is why I love Will…he is so unserious but serious @ the same time. This was actually funny.” Another fan joked about Keanu Reeves landing the iconic role of Neo, saying, “In all seriousness, Keanu was born to be Neo. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t go and watch a Matrix movie starring Will Smith, cause I sure as hell would!”
Reflecting on the Past: The Role That Got Away
Earlier this month, Will Smith took to Instagram to reflect on his decision to turn down the role of Neo in The Matrix. In a cryptic post, he shared a passage written in the third person, stating: “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?”
The post sparked conversation online, with many fans imagining a version of the Matrix trilogy starring Smith as the lead. While it’s clear that Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Neo became legendary, Smith’s reflection on what might have been is a testament to the unconventional choices that define his career.
“Beautiful Scars” and the Upcoming Album
As Smith continues to prepare for his upcoming album, “Beautiful Scars” marks a pivotal moment in his music career. Over the past year, Smith has been working tirelessly in the studio, describing the project as his “most personal and powerful music” to date. He revealed in an interview last July that the album is centered around the theme of “dancing in your darkest moments,” a message he hopes will resonate with his fans.
The album, still untitled, will feature several tracks that Smith has already shared with the public, including “You Can Make It,” “Work of Art,” and “Tantrum.” The release of “Beautiful Scars” adds to the anticipation for the full album, with fans eager to hear more of what the multi-talented star has been working on.
A New Chapter for Will Smith
Will Smith’s journey from box office blockbuster actor to music artist has been an inspiring one, with each project showing a new layer of his artistry. His willingness to experiment with creative visuals, like the Matrix homage, alongside his commitment to creating deeply personal music, signals that his next album will be one of his most compelling yet.
As for the collaboration with Big Sean, “Beautiful Scars” promises to be a track that blends both artists’ styles, offering an introspective yet anthemic message that’s bound to resonate with listeners.
Fans can look forward to “Beautiful Scars” on January 30th and the full album to follow soon after. In the meantime, Smith’s Matrix parody continues to bring smiles and spark conversation, proving that his influence spans both the music and film industries in uniquely captivating ways.