Will Smith, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, could have been the face of The Matrix, the groundbreaking sci-fi film that became a cultural phenomenon. However, the role of Neo ultimately went to Keanu Reeves after Smith turned it down—a decision that would significantly shape both their careers.
Smith, who skyrocketed to fame with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, initially built his career around comedic roles. Despite this, he quickly demonstrated his ability to take on more action-packed roles, first in the action-comedy Bad Boys and later in the blockbuster Independence Day. He cemented his versatility with Men in Black, but it was the role of Neo in The Matrix that he passed on, paving the way for Reeves to take center stage.
Instead of joining the world of The Matrix, Smith chose to star in Wild Wild West, a Western comedy that, in hindsight, failed to resonate with audiences, both critically and commercially. The film bombed at the box office and received a dismal 16% on Rotten Tomatoes. In a rare moment of self-reflection, Smith has admitted the film was a misstep.
What If Will Smith Had Played Neo?
Fast-forward 26 years, and The Matrix still holds a special place in cinematic history. In a new fan-created trailer by YouTuber KH Studio, Smith’s potential take on Neo is brought to life using AI and deepfake technology. The trailer, crafted with impressive editing tools, reimagines Smith as the protagonist, discovering that “something is wrong” with the world, culminating in a striking image of him flying above a futuristic cityscape.
This fan-made clip ignites questions about how different The Matrix might have been with Smith in the lead role. Could he have embodied the character with the same gravitas as Reeves? The trailer certainly suggests it. Smith’s performance in previous action films—particularly his roles in Bad Boys and Independence Day—proves his capability to deliver in high-stakes roles. However, one 92-second trailer can’t encapsulate the nuances of an entire film franchise, and this speculative version of Neo, even though believable, remains just that—a what-if scenario.
The Real Reason Smith Turned Down The Matrix
Smith’s decision to turn down The Matrix was driven by a desire to avoid being typecast in sci-fi roles. At the time, he wasn’t convinced that the film’s concept would resonate, and he feared being boxed in as an action star in the science fiction genre. Opting to star in Wild Wild West seemed like a natural choice to prevent this, but, as history shows, it didn’t pay off.
While Wild Wild West failed miserably, Reeves’ portrayal of Neo propelled The Matrix to global success. The film became a financial juggernaut, grossing over $460 million worldwide and spawning multiple sequels. Moreover, Reeves was able to reinvent himself as a versatile action star, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
Reeves Was Still the Right Choice
While the fan trailer featuring Smith as Neo might spark some curiosity, it’s clear that Keanu Reeves was the perfect casting decision for The Matrix. Reeves brought a certain depth and presence to the character that transformed Neo into an iconic figure in modern cinema. Smith might have been a fun alternative, but the risk of disrupting a masterpiece was unnecessary.
The Matrix worked, and its success was not just a result of its innovative effects and mind-bending storylines, but also because of Reeves’ stellar performance. In the end, there’s no need to “fix” what isn’t broken. The Matrix remains as one of the most influential films of all time, and Reeves’ Neo is irreplaceable.
