Will Smith, Big Sean Reimagine ‘The Matrix’ In New “Beautiful Scars” Music Video

5 hours ago 3

The actor infamously passed on the iconic role, but has always wondered "what if" he hadn't.

Will Smith may be known for his blockbuster movie roles, but he’ll always find ways to remind us his first claim to fame was music. The superstar is back with a music release to kick off his 2025 and tapped fellow spitter Big Sean for the assist. The new track “Beautiful Scars” arrives paired with a cinematic music video that reimagines what it would be like if the veteran actor got the chance to star in a film he regrets passing up: The Matrix.

“You’ve made some awesome career choices your whole life. There’s only one you truly regret, well, maybe two,” the Detroit rapper slyly says in the clip, to which Smith deadpans, “That’s f**ked up.” Then, Sean presents him with a choice to take a red pill, which would make everything remain the same, or the blue pill, which would allow Will to see himself as Neo from the iconic film.

In a shocking turn of events, the Bad Boys actor snatches and gulps down both pills, and his verse begins. “Fly as a eagle, fresh outta Philly/ Yeah, I still rep the city, mirrors on the wall worth half a billi’/ ‘Cause I’m a icon, somebody you could base your life on/ That you should place your sights on,” he raps.

“Beautiful Scars” is set to appear on his March 2025 album, Based On A True Story.

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and with products integrated from partners, Stellantis (Grand Wagoneer) & Chilli Beans Sunglasses, the rest of the video follows Smith and Sean on an adventure of karate fight scenes, high-speed chases, gun show-downs, and takes viewers behind the scenes along the way. Together, the two artists recreate unforgettable scenes from the original Matrix film, but provide their own flare.

Will Smith made his splash debut in the late ’90s with Big Willie Style, his 1997 album that boasted hits like “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Candy,” and “Miami.” He went on to have a successful music career with additional projects like Willennium (1999), Born to Reign (2002), and Lost and Found (2005). The 4x Grammy winner made his comeback in 2024 with singles like “TANTRUM” featuring Joyner Lucas and “You Can Make It,” the latter of which he performed at the BET Awards last year. Revisit his performance below and watch the new “Beautiful Scars” video above.