Will Smith is making a major return to the music scene with his first solo album in two decades, titled Based on a True Story. The album is set to drop in March 2025, but fans got an early taste with the release of the new single “Beautiful Scars” on January 29, 2025.
The music video for “Beautiful Scars” brings a bold twist, as Smith teams up with rapper Big Sean and channels the iconic sci-fi film The Matrix. In the video, Smith plays a version of Neo, the role famously portrayed by Keanu Reeves, while Big Sean steps into the shoes of Morpheus, originally played by Laurence Fishburne. The video takes viewers on a thrilling ride through a Matrix-inspired world, blending nostalgic visuals with a modern twist.
“Beautiful Scars” Music Video Features Matrix Theme
The video features a playful conversation between Smith and Big Sean. At one point, Big Sean offers Smith a choice between the red and blue pills, reminiscent of the famous scene from The Matrix. However, instead of choosing one, Smith surprises his co-star by taking both pills at once. This playful moment alludes to Smith’s decision to turn down the role of Neo in the original Matrix film back in 1997.
In the video, Big Sean humorously remarks, “Look, you’ve made some awesome career choices your whole life, but there’s only one you truly regret.” The line refers to Smith’s infamous decision to pass on The Matrix in favor of starring in Wild Wild West, a decision that has since been a subject of much debate. Smith responds with, “That’s messed up,” acknowledging the regret tied to his past choices, including the well-known Oscars slap incident.
In addition to the music video, Smith’s upcoming album marks his first full-length release in over 20 years. The album, Based on a True Story, is expected to feature a blend of nostalgic and contemporary tracks that reflect Smith’s diverse musical career. This announcement follows several hints that Smith might be returning to music, including a live performance at the 2024 BET Awards and several collaborations in the past few years.
While Smith’s music career has been quiet in recent years, his return with Based on a True Story has generated significant excitement among fans. He’s previously been seen collaborating with artists like Sean Paul, Russ, and his son, Jaden Smith. His role in the Bad Boys franchise has kept him in the spotlight, but it’s clear that Smith’s musical roots are calling him back.
Will Smith and The Matrix Connection
Smith’s Matrix connection has long been a topic of curiosity among fans. In a cryptic Instagram post prior to the release of “Beautiful Scars,” Smith reflected on the decision he made back in 1997 to turn down the role of Neo. The post posed the question, “What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo?” Despite speculation that he might be involved in a new Matrix film, Entertainment Weekly confirmed that Smith is not part of any upcoming Matrix projects.
Smith has often spoken about his choice to pass on the role, and the music video serves as a way for him to finally engage with that missed opportunity in a playful, creative way. Fans have embraced his return to the spotlight, especially as he continues to evolve his career in music and film.
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