Will Smith may be entering The Matrix.
At least, that’s what the Oscar winner hinted at in a mysterious video posted on social media Jan. 6, which addressed his decision to turn down the lead role in the blockbuster franchise created by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski.
“In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix,” read a message displayed in the clip posted on Will’s Instagram page. “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 video continued. “The Matrix has you…”
But don’t get too excited just yet, because although Warner Bros. announced a new Matrix movie was in development in April 2024, the Bad Boys star is not currently involved in the franchise, sources told Variety.
E! News has reached out to Warner Bros. Pictures as well as a rep for Will but has not heard back.
The original sci-fi action movie, released in 1999, starred Keanu Reeves as protagonist Neo, a computer programmer who is prophesied as “The One” to liberate humanity from the machines controlling the Matrix. Its success spawned three sequels: 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, as well as 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections.
Will previously explained his decision not to take the role—which was also offered to Keanu’s Speed costar Sandra Bullock—revealing he simply didn’t get the concept proposed to him at the time.
“After we made Men in Black, the Wachowskis came in, and they had only done one movie,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel in 2019. “As it turns out, they’re geniuses, but there’s a fine line in a pitch meeting between a genius and what I experienced in the meeting.”
Despite the film’s success—or, perhaps, because of it—Will defended his decision to turn down the role.
“Keanu was perfect, Laurence Fishburne was perfect,” he declared. “I probably would’ve messed The Matrix up. I would’ve ruined it. So I did y’all a favor!”
While you wait for more details on the fifth Matrix movie, keep reading to see other new and upcoming movie releases.
Christy – November 7, 2025
Sydney Sweeney delivers a knockout performance as she transforms into real life boxing hero Christy Martin in this much-anticipated biopic.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Frankenstein – November 7, 2025
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth.
Where to Watch: In select theaters Oct. 17 and streaming on Netflix on Nov. 7.
Predator: Badlands – November 7, 2025
The newest entry in the Predator franchise is set in the future on a remote planet and follows a young Predator who is outcast from his clan, and must embark on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. Elle Fanning also stars.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Die My Love – November 7, 2025
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson headline this black comedy-drama that focuses on a new mother struggling with postpartum depression after moving to rural Montana.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Nuremberg – November 7, 2025
A WWII psychiatrist (Rami Malek) evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials in 1945, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe). Also starring Colin Hanks, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Michael Shannon and Richard E. Grant.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Nouvelle Vague – November 14, 2025
Director Richard Linklater reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, a film that shaped the French New Wave in 1960. Starring Zoey Deutch as iconic actress Jean Seberg.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on October 31, streaming on Netflix starting November 14.
The Running Man – November 14, 2025
Glen Powell stars in this adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1982 novel (which also inspired the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie of the same name) about a deadly competition where contestants must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Keeper – November 14, 2025
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) stars in this horror flick about a wife who becomes isolated in a secluded cabin and must face an evil entity that unveils the property’s haunted past.
Where to Watch: In theaters
A Very Jonas Christmas – November 14, 2025
Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas team up for this Christmas caper which sees the brothers face a series of escalating obstacles as they try to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families. Also starring Chloe Bennet, Billie Lourd, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Danielle Jonas, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Disney+
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t – November 14, 2025
Original cast members Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco return for this third entry in the magic-infused heist thriller franchise, along with new cast members Rosamund Pike and Dominic Sessa.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Wicked: For Good – November 21, 2025
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) face off in this epic conclusion to 2024’s hit Broadway movie adaptation.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Rental Family – November 21, 2025
Brendan Fraser stars as an American actor who struggles to find purpose until he moves to Tokyo and lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Eternity – November 26, 2025
In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Zootopia 2 – November 26, 2025
This sequel to the Oscar-winning 2016 animated hit promises a return to Animal Metropolis with familiar faces Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) along with some new characters like Gary D’Snake (Ke Huy Quan) and quokka therapist Dr Fuzzyby (Quinta Brunson).
Where to Watch: In theaters
Hamnet – November 27, 2025
Based on the award-winning 2020 novel by Maggie O’Farrell and directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, Hamnet tells the story of how William Shakespeare endured family tragedy to create his masterpiece, Hamlet. Starring Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and Joe Alwyn.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on Nov. 27, expanding nationwide on Dec. 12.
Oh. What. Fun. – December 3, 2025
This fresh twist on the classic holiday-comedy features a star-studded cast as one big dysfunctional family, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, and Eva Longoria.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Merrily We Roll Along – December 5, 2025
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez star in the live stage filming of the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth‘s musical.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Jay Kelly – December 5, 2025
George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup and Laura Dern star in this “heartbreaking comedy” from writer-director Noah Baumbach.
Where to Watch: In theaters Nov. 14 and streaming on Netflix Dec. 5.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – December 9, 2025
The 2023 horror hit gets the sequel treatment, with returning stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lilllard joined by new characters played by Mckenna Grace and Skeet Ulrich.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Merv – December 10, 2025
When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) are forced into the world’s most awkward co-parenting arrangement.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – December 12, 2025
Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc for his most dangerous case yet, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Glenn Close, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis and Kerry Washington.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Ella McCay – December 12, 2025
An all-star cast (Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri) leads this comedy about an idealistic young woman juggling her family and work life.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Avatar: Fire and Ash – December 19, 2025
Director James Cameron delivers the third film in his blockbuster Avatar franchise, promising a darker storyline as Jake and Neytiri’s family clash with the Mangkwan Clan, also known as the Ash People. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Kate Winslet,Oona Chaplin, and Michelle Yeoh.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Is This Thing On? – December 19, 2025
Directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, this comedy-drama follows a middle-aged comedian navigating an impending divorce.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Goodbye June – December 24, 2025
It’s nearly Christmas when an unexpected turn in their mother’s health thrusts four adult siblings, and their exasperating father, into chaos as they navigate messy family dynamics in the face of potential loss. Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut and stars alongside Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn, and Timothy Spall.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Song Sung Blue – December 25, 2025
Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Marty Supreme – December 25, 2025
Timothée Chalamet takes the lead in this 1950s-set sports drama about a young man with a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A’zion.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Housemaid – December 19, 2025
Based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden, this thriller follows a young woman (Sydney Sweeney) who accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple (Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar) and soon finds herself trapped in a seductive game of secrets and scandal.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – December 19, 2025
SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail on a seafaring comedy-adventure, complete with ghost pirates.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anaconda – December 25, 2025
Jack Black and Paul Rudd star in this comedy adventure about two friends who travel to the Amazon to film a remake of their all-time favorite snake movie, and find themselves facing off against an actual giant anaconda.
Where to Watch: In theaters
