Agent Smith was a pivotal part of the first three Matrix movies, and his character won’t be easy to replace (or bring back) in the upcoming Matrix 5.

Severance creator Dan Erickson reveals how that A-list actor was cast as the Lumon building in Season 2 of the twisty Apple TV+ drama series.

"In 1997," the post reads, "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?"

Keanu Reeves has become something of a cult phenomenon, establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the larger world of pop culture. A talented leading man throughout the late ‘80s into the ‘90s, Reeves became one of the most talked-about young actors of his generation.

Will Smith's initially rejected of the role of Neo in 1999's The Matrix, but recently hinted at a possible Matrix-related project without Keanu Reeves.

Keanu Reeves surprised everyone by naming his favourite role of all time and it is neither from 'The Matrix' nor other popular projects like 'John Wick'.

Discover how Keanu Reeves, starring as Neo in The Matrix series, earned an unprecedented $156 million, outpacing Hollywood giants like Tom Cruise and Will Smith in single-franchise earnings.

Spoilers below for any prospective Lumon employees who have not yet watched the Season 2 premiere with an Apple TV+ subscription, so be warned! With its long-awaited Season 2 premiere, Severance put viewers right back into the secret-filled Lumon building,

You might remember the 1999 Sci-Fi action film The Matrix. Keanu Reeves plays a computer programmer and hacker that goes by the name of "Neo". He's always wondered about the reality of the world around him.

Will Smith's cryptic post about rejecting the role of Neo in The Matrix sparked fan speculation about his involvement in the upcoming fifth installment.

Smith’s Instagram message came as Warner Bros. gears up for the next chapter of the Matrix, continuing the legacy of a series that redefined the sci-fi genre. While fans might have been eager to see Smith don a long coat and shades, it seems this chapter of The Matrix won’t include him.

Will Smith teased fans with a cryptic Matrix-inspired video, but sources quickly confirmed he won't be starring in the fifth chapter of the sci-fi saga.