What If Will Smith Played Neo In The Matrix
After Will Smith rejected the chance to play Neo in The Matrix, the part went to Keanu Reeves, setting both stars on different paths to future success. While Keanu Reeves' performance was iconic in every sense and perfectly matched the film's neo-gothic aesthetic, it's hard not to wonder how Will Smith's take would have changed the entire Matrix series. With Will Smith's involvement as Neo, The Matrix would definitely not be the same. However, considering how he has given some highly memorable performances in other sci-fi action flicks like I Am Legend and Men in Black, The Matrix would still possibly be as spectacular as it is today.
Set in a dystopian future, The Matrix focuses on a computer hacker Neo who discovers that life, as he knows it, is a mere simulation created by evil cyber-intelligence. Determined to unravel his true identity, he joins forces with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) to battle a cadre of ruthlessly intelligent secret agents. With breathtaking action scenes and distinctive performances, The Matrix offers a twist on the traditional "chosen one" trope whilst subtly tackling themes surrounding human identity, reality, and memory.
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Undoubtedly, regardless of the film's cast, the Wachowskis' grandiose creative vision would have still left its mark in cinema. But, oddly enough, it's the same ambitious vision that eventually led to their unique casting choices. As revealed by Will Smith (via Youtube), he couldn't see eye-to-eye with the Wachowskis' ideas for the film and had a hard time wrapping his head around its script. At the same time though, he went on to call them geniuses and dismally
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