whatilearned
Read more: https://screenrant.com/will-smith-matrix-neo/
TIL Will Smith was originally desired to be cast as Neo in the Matrix. He turned down the role to play Jim West in the film Wild Wild West.
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Keanu Reeves was so far down their list, Nic Cage and even Sandra Bullock were considered ahead of him.
Looks like we dodged a bullet.
He chose poorly.
I remember seeing Kevin Kline going on Letterman to plug Wild Wild West. Letterman asked about the movie, Kline said “It’s a Will Smith movie.” and then proceeded to talk about stage acting.
[Here it is in his own words](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm2szuXKgL8)
Imagine in another timeline we got Keanu playing Jim west with multiple sequels while the matrix was a stand alone film
We all make mistakes.
I’m sure every S tier level actor/actress has movies they tuned down that went on to be legendary flicks. Surprised at Will though as this seems right up his alley, and he’s a better actor than Keanu with all due respect.
Keep in mind that Will Smith had JUST been in a box office smash hit directed by Barry Sonnenfeld; the studios were likely running their hands together over another potential money printing machine.
Good move… or he would have been in 3 awful sequels.. each sequel getting worse than the one before