Will Smith is taking on his music career in full throttle, and channeling Matrix to kick it off. On Thursday, the actor-rapper released the video for "Beautiful Scars" with Big Sean, and announced a new album,

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.

Will Smith teams up with Big Sean in a Matrix-inspired teaser after sparking speculation about a possible role in the franchise.

Will Smith and Big Sean are teaming up for their "Beautiful Scars" single later this week, and they raised hype around the track with a cinematic trailer turning back the clock. Once upon a time, Smith declined the lead role in The Matrix series,

Big Sean plays the Morpheus role, which was played in the movies by Laurence Fishburne, while Smith takes on Neo. Smith anchors verses one and three and Big Sean mans the middle verse of the single, which was produced by OBanga, who also sings the song's hook.

About three decades ago, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the lead role in The Matrix. While he ultimately passed on it, the Golden Globe Award winner is bringing a fresh take to Neo, albeit on his own terms.