The Matrix, no doubt, is a fabled sci-fi franchise that was ahead of its time when it first released in the late-90s. It had everything a movie-lover would need and yearn in any sci-fi story: high-octane action stunts, fight sequences, and a compelling plot that kept you on the edge of your seat. Of course, it also had something a little extra to tie it all together: the love story between Neo and Trinity.
On top of that, The Matrix was also stacked with perfect cast members like Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and many other notable names. But before these names were finalized, a whole different set of actors were meant for the now-iconic roles in The Matrix franchise. Here are 10 actors that were almost cast in the franchise.
10 Sandra Bullock as Neo
Neo is one of the most complex characters in the Matrix franchise. Being such a well-thought-out protagonist, the filmmakers needed an extraordinary talent to carry the weight of the character. However, finding the perfect actor wasn’t an easy feat, so much so that the Wachowski siblings considered changing the gender of Neo with Sandra Bullock in the role. That said, Bullock didn’t feel the part was right for her, and she turned down the role. Ultimately, Neo stayed a male character, and Reeves played the part.
9 Nicolas Cage as Neo
It should come as no surprise that Reeves was not the first choice for the lead role in The Matrix. The very first name pitched for the role of Neo was Nicolas Cage. But Cage being the family man that he is, quickly turned down the role in the Matrix franchise because he wasn’t ready to stay away from his family for an extended production schedule.
8 Russell Crowe as Morpheus
Morpheus was as important as Neo, hence why the stakes were really high to get the casting right at once. Indeed, celebrated names were taken in consideration, and Russell Crowe was at the top. Surprisingly, Crowe turned down the role for better opportunities — A Beautiful Mind, Gladiator, and The Insider — which undoubtedly turned out for the best for him.
7 Jean Reno as Agent Smith
Gaumont
Jean Reno, like Cage, cited family reasons for not joining The Matrix. Reno was hesitant to leave his native country of France and move to Australia for the production of the first Matrix film, and so he did what was best at the time. As we know, the role of Agent Smith ultimately went to Hugo Weaving.
6 David Duchovny as Neo
David Duchovny was another high-profile contender for the role of Neo. As fans know, this casting didn’t work, but Duchovny ended up bagging a significant role in The X-Files. Clearly, things worked out best for the actor.
5 Jet Li as Seraph
Seraph was another role that was passed from one actor to the other. As fans could recall, the part was ultimately played by Collin Chou, but Jet Li was once in line for the role. Unfortunately, per The Guardian, Li rejected the role due to the part’s commercial unprofitability: he said, “It was a commercial struggle for me. I realized they wanted me to film for three months but be with the crew for nine.” Li had valid reasons, but fans can’t help but imagine him in the role of Seraph.
4 Leonardo DiCaprio as Neo
Paramount Pictures
Fans would have loved to see the different spin Leonardo DiCaprio could have brought to the character of Neo in The Matrix movies, but sadly that didn’t work out. Interestingly, DiCaprio initially agreed to play the role, but later decided to not go ahead with this decision. He turned down the role, stating he was less keen on working on another film that heavily relied on visual effects, especially after he had worked on Titanic.
3 Janet Jackson as Trinity
Carrie-Anne Moss did an excellent job as Trinity. She had the attitude and the charm to do justice to the role, but before the character was won by Moss, Janet Jackson was in line for The Matrix. Unfortunately, the popstar had a lot of scheduling conflicts, so she turned down role.
2 Will Smith as Neo
The part for Neo went from actor to actor, evidently, and Will Smith was another contender for the role. Smith, who at that time had successfully completed shooting of Men in Black, was approached by the Wachowskis with The Matrix’s pitch. Sadly, Smith wasn't convinced much by the pitch and decided to turn the role down.
1 Michelle Yeoh as Seraph
Soon after Jet Li rejected the role due to salary issues, Michelle Yeoh became the next actor in consideration for the role. But Yeoh had to turn down the role as she had to devote herself to starring and producing The Touch from her production company. Sadly, The Touch was no match for the magic The Matrix created, but it definitely became a blessing in disguise to Chou as he no doubt left behind a cinematic legacy as Seraph.
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