Keanu Reeves is known for playing multiple iconic roles in modern cinema, but perhaps none more so than Neo in The Matrix. The 58-year-old has now starred in each of the four films in the franchise, including the most recent iteration: The Matrix Resurrections in 2021.
It is common knowledge these days, however, that Reeves was not the producers’ first choice to play the role in the very first Matrix movie back in 1999. Will Smith famously refused to take on the part of Neo, instead choosing to star in the eventually unsuccessful Wild Wild West. It is a decision that the Independence Day actor regrets to this day.
Nicolas Cage, Brad Pitt and Top Gun star Val Kilmer all passed on the opportunity as well, at a time when the creators of The Matrix were not as distinguished in the industry as they are now.
Those four men’s loss eventually became Reeves’ gain, as his performance helped the film to smashing levels of success.
Unsurprisingly, the Beirut-born superstar is eternally grateful that Smith and co.’s decision gave him the opportunity to star in the role of a lifetime.
Keanu Reeves Is Thankful To Will Smith For Saying No To ‘The Matrix’
In November last year, Keanu Reeves sat for an interview with Esquire, where he answered all manner of questions about his career, as well as his personal life and interests. It was in this conversation that the John Wick star revealed his exact feelings about Will Smith saying no to The Matrix, and effectively handing him the career-defining role of Neo.
When asked how he felt about it, Reeves said: “Well, it changed my life. And it was such a wonderful creative experience. And so to play Neo in The Matrix trilogy, and now in the fourth, it impacted my life, personally and creatively.” Then, looking straight at the camera – seemingly to address his peer – the actor added: “Thank you very much.”
The Matrix’s success was immediate and emphatic. Critics gushed with praise for the film after its release, with Reeves’ performance front and center in this widespread acclaim.
At the 2000 Academy Awards, the movie was nominated in four categories, and won in every single one of them. Reeves was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actor.
Keanu Reeves Loved The Matrix Script From The First Time He Saw It
While the likes of Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Val Kilmer were turning down the role of Neo in The Matrix, it was a case of love at first sight for Keanu Reeves. As soon as he laid his eyes on the movie’s script by the Wachowskis, he knew that he wanted to play the role.
In an old interview with Total Film UK, the actor also disclosed that he already knew in his gut how big the film would turn out to be. “I didn't know how other people were going to receive it, but I knew how I did. I was absolutely taken with it,” he said, while also praising the concept that the Wachowskis were looking to execute.
“The construct… the platform that they had of reality and what you perceive of reality from a science fiction aspect, the idea of the agents – and then there was kung-fu thrown in! It was like, ‘How come no one else ever thought of this? It's just so perfect!” Reeves added.
What Did Will Smith Think About Keanu Reeves’ Performance As Neo?
While admitting that he carried regret for turning down such a legendary role, Will Smith appeared to bear no ill will towards the man who eventually got the honor of playing Neo in The Matrix.
The Pursuit of Happyness star uploaded a video on his YouTube channel in February 2019, where he expressed his thoughts on how Keanu Reeves got along in the part that he turned down.
“Keanu was perfect. Laurence Fishburne was perfect,” Smith said in the video, also praising Reeves’ co-star in the picture. “I probably would have messed The Matrix up. I would have ruined it. So I did y'all a favor.”
On his part, Reeves was glad that he not only got to star in the original trilogy, but also return for the reboot in 2021. He shared this sentiment in response to a question about what felt the most surreal when reprising the character of Neo all these years later.
“I've never had the chance to play a role, 15, 16, 17 years later,” Reeves said in the Esquire interview. “And that's some of what the film is about. So, this idea of a past and memory, and fiction, and reality, and truth.”