Would Will Smith have been a better "Neo" than Keanu Reeves" in The Matrix?

[MarathonMike]

I just learned Will Smith was offered the role of "Neo" in The Matrix and he turned it down. He says it was the biggest regret of his career. But I wonder if he would have been better in the role that Keanu Reeves? I don't think so. Smith was great in many action Sci-Fi flicks to be sure. I thought he was brilliant in "I Am Legend" and did a great job in all the others he starred in. But Reeves I thought had an air of mysteriousness that was perfect for Neo that Will Smith doesn't have. I tried picturing Will Smith as Neo and it just didn't seem to work. What do you think?

 

[1srelluc]

Meh, Neo could have been played by pretty much anybody of the same age and physical abilities.

It was the supporting cast that was great.

For example, I can't picture Agent Smith being played by anyone else but Hugo Weaving.

 

[Hellokitty]

Yeah, no on Smith being Neo. Keanu Reeves is the only reason I watch The Matrix. I still don't understand the movie.

 

[1srelluc]

Carrie-Ann Moss was perfect for her role too.

 

[JoeB131]

I just learned Will Smith was offered the role of "Neo" in The Matrix and he turned it down. He says it was the biggest regret of his career. But I wonder if he would have been better in the role that Keanu Reeves? I don't think so. Smith was great in many action Sci-Fi flicks to be sure. I thought he was brilliant in "I Am Legend" and did a great job in all the others he starred in. But Reeves I thought had an air of mysteriousness that was perfect for Neo that Will Smith doesn't have. I tried picturing Will Smith as Neo and it just didn't seem to work. What do you think?

The Matrix Movies just weren't that good.

The first one had some interesting ideas, but they became pointless after that.

I think the problem with casting Smith is that he was better known as a comedic actor at that time. The reason why he turned down the Matrix is because he committed to Wild Wild West, which I think was supposed to be funny but just ended up being weird.

 

[MarathonMike]

The Matrix Movies just weren't that good.

The first one had some interesting ideas, but they became pointless after that.

I think the problem with casting Smith is that he was better known as a comedic actor at that time. The reason why he turned down the Matrix is because he committed to Wild Wild West, which I think was supposed to be funny but just ended up being weird.

I only liked the first Matrix movie. That's a good point about the timeline of Smith's career.

 

[MarathonMike]

Meh, Neo could have been played by pretty much anybody of the same age and physical abilities.

It was the supporting cast that was great.

For example, I can't picture Agent Smith being played by anyone else but Hugo Weaving.

The supporting cast was great, but I think Reeves brought just the right balance of physical abilities and coolness.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

Only the first movie is worth watching, the rest are Spaceball “Search for more money” sequels

Reeves was PERFECT Neo

Mods, close the thread right here

 

[MarathonMike]

Only the first movie is worth watching, the rest are Spaceball “Search for more money” sequels

Reeves was PERFECT Neo

Mods, close the thread right here

Why close the thread? It's a good ol non political discussion.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

Why close the thread? It's a good ol non political discussion.

Was only fooling man

OK Mods, close it here

 

[JoeB131]

I think the other issue was the racial balance. If Smith got cast as Neo, then they would have probably been obligated to cast a white actor to play Morpheus instead of Lawrence Fishburne. Or they would have had to recast Trinity as well. The whole dynamic of the cast might have changed and you wouldn't have had the same result.

 

[MarathonMike]

I think the other issue was the racial balance. If Smith got cast as Neo, then they would have probably been obligated to cast a white actor to play Morpheus instead of Lawrence Fishburne. Or they would have had to recast Trinity as well. The whole dynamic of the cast might have changed and you wouldn't have had the same result.

Also good points. Morpheus might have been ok but they probably wouldn't have wanted the distraction of an inter-racial leading couple.