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Nearly three decades ago,The Matrixmade its mark on the science fiction genre, utilizing groundbreaking special effects and storytelling that had moral and philosophical depth. The modern sci-fi classic would also become a defining role for beloved actor Keanu Reeves, with his bullet dodging skills and surprise at learning Karate becoming integrated into ’90s pop culture. Yet, the film franchise could have had a different famous face attached to the project, as infamously,Will Smithturned down the role to instead appear in the box office bombWild Wild West(at least he got that one catchy single out of it).
While the lore of Smith’s disastrous career choice was not enough to derail his career, the actor appears to have recently reflected on the missed opportunity. In a new music video, Smith steps into Neo’s shoes.
The Matrix
Will Smith Gets His Chance to Play Neo… Sort Of
In Will Smith’s recent music singleBeautiful Scarswith Big Sean feat. Obangaand directed byfilmmaker Ava DuVernay(Selma,A Wrinkle in Time), the iconic actor gets to relive his history with the Matrix.Opening with a brief explanation of the turned-down role, the music video features several scenes recreated from the popular sci-fi thriller. This includes everything from the infamous pill scene to the Kung Fu training sequence.
Will Smith’s Sci-Fi Thriller Predicted the Future 20 Years Ago
Reality is starting to catch up to this 2004 sci-fi action flick in ways both unexpected and unsurprising.
This video comes several years after Will Smith released a video explaining the story of passing on the role of Neo inThe Matrix(watch here). In it, he relates how the Wachowskis had only done one movie previously,Bound, and that the pitch meeting did not clue him into the actual genius of the production. Smith also reveals he almost turned downMen in Black, with the now infamous role coming off ofIndependence Dayand him uncertain how he felt about becoming ‘the alien guy.’ Still, the most interesting part about the lore behind him not going through the role came with a bit of Smith’s signature wit:
“Keanu was perfect. Laurence Fishburne was perfect. If I had done it, because I’m Black, Morpheus wouldn’t have been Black because they were looking at Val Kilmer Morpheus. So I probably would have messedThe Matrixup. I would have ruined it. I did y’all a favor.”
Keanu Reeves Was the Best Choice for ‘The Matrix’
Having the benefit of hindsight does play into realizing that Keanu Reeves made for the perfect Neo. While some deemed his initial role slightly annoying,time has solidified Reeves as the definitive protagonist for the popular sci-fi franchise. This included creating a relatable character that allowed the film to be such a success with a wide demographic, enjoyable as a story of one man finding power without having to delve into the film’s grander commentary. At the same time, Smith’s recent details of his open marriage andembarrassing tantrum at the 2022 Oscarshave made it hard to envision him retroactively tied to the legacy ofThe Matrix.
The recent music video, as flashy and entertaining as it is, constantly brings to mind the sentiment “I am glad Keanu Reeves was Neo and not Will Smith;” he simply does not do it as well as Reeves did. Music tastes are subjective (JPEGMafia, Danny Brown, Clipping., or Open Mike Eagle are among my go-to for rap music), but the new single feels dated and dull to my ears. However,you’re able to check out the video below and make your own decision while enjoying the superb direction of Ava DuVernay; even if the music does not do it for you, it is an enjoyable trip of what could have been.
