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Will Smith was apparently offered the role of Neo in the Matrix but chose to be a coppertop instead.
I like Will Smith, but wasn't this a clue?
You Passed, You Failed: Stars Who Passed on Famous Roles
Will Smith and Keanu Reeves (Photos: Getty Images, Warner Bros.)
Can you picture Will Smith as Neo in “The Matrix”? It almost happened. In 1999, the leading role was originally offered to Smith, who turned it down to star in the far-less acclaimed “Wild Wild West.”
The part eventually went to Keanu Reeves, and “The Matrix” flicks went on to become one of the most successful franchises in cinema history.
“You know, ‘The Matrix’ is a difficult concept to pitch. I just didn’t see it. I watched Keanu’s performance, and very rarely do I say this, but I would have messed it up. I would have absolutely messed up ‘The Matrix,’” Smith told Wire magazine of his decision. “At that point I wasn’t smart enough as an actor to let the movie be. Whereas Keanu was smart enough to just let it be. Let the movie and the director tell the story, and don’t try and perform every moment.”
I like Will Smith, but wasn't this a clue?
You Passed, You Failed: Stars Who Passed on Famous Roles
Will Smith and Keanu Reeves (Photos: Getty Images, Warner Bros.)
Can you picture Will Smith as Neo in “The Matrix”? It almost happened. In 1999, the leading role was originally offered to Smith, who turned it down to star in the far-less acclaimed “Wild Wild West.”
The part eventually went to Keanu Reeves, and “The Matrix” flicks went on to become one of the most successful franchises in cinema history.
“You know, ‘The Matrix’ is a difficult concept to pitch. I just didn’t see it. I watched Keanu’s performance, and very rarely do I say this, but I would have messed it up. I would have absolutely messed up ‘The Matrix,’” Smith told Wire magazine of his decision. “At that point I wasn’t smart enough as an actor to let the movie be. Whereas Keanu was smart enough to just let it be. Let the movie and the director tell the story, and don’t try and perform every moment.”