Will Smith takes on Matrix role in new video that mentions Oscars slap

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Will Smith’s video for his new single Beautiful Scars corrects one of the biggest mistakes of his career, according to EW.

The actor, who famously turned down the role of The Matrix’s Neo – played by Canadian Keanu Reeves in a series of films – finally steps into that character for the new video.

The clip sees Smith don a pair of futuristic sunglasses and team up with fellow rapper Big Sean doing his best Morpheus (originally portrayed by Laurence Fishburne) from the Wachowskis’ 1999 sci-fi film.

“Look, you’ve made some awesome career choices your whole life,” Big Sean says in the video. “There’s only one you truly regret.”

After a pause, he adds, “Well, maybe two, but we’re not going focus on that one.”

“That’s messed up,” Smith says of the reference to his infamous Oscars slap of host Chris Rock.

“I’m going give you a choice,” Big Sean continues. “Blue pill: Everything remains the same and you get to move on with your life. Red pill: You get to go back and star in that movie that got away. The choice is yours.”

After thinking about it, Smith insists he loves his life as is and, unlike Neo in the film, he doesn’t choose but takes both pills at the same time.

“Whoa, s—,” Big Sean responds. “That wasn’t even an option.”

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The rest of the video sees Smith live out his wildest Matrix fantasies.

Smith has already announced a new solo album, Based on a True Story, is coming in March. It will be his first full-length release in 20 years.

He also played two recent sold-out shows at San Diego’s Observatory North Park.