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The Matrix, a revolutionary science fiction masterpiece that reshaped the genre, propelled Keanu Reeves to global stardom. While the film is renowned for its mind-bending action sequences, the 59-year-old decision to embrace the role of Neo transcended the allure of thrilling scenes.
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Astonishingly, it wasn’t the explosions or gravity-defying stunts that landed his commitment. This begs the question, What exactly compelled Reeves to graceThe Matrixwith his presence?
Keanu Reeves Immediately Fell In Love WithThe MatrixScript
In the vast tapestry of cinematic history, there exist moments when an actor encounters a script that strikes a profound chord. ForKeanu Reeves, whose association with scripts runs deep, such a moment arrived withThe Matrix.
WithinThe Matrix,Reeves assumes the role of Thomas Neo Anderson, a skilled computer hacker who undergoes a transformative awakening. Neo unravels the unsettling truth that the world he knows is a sophisticated simulation, an intricate mask crafted by machines to ensnare humanity.
Thesemachines, having seized control of Earth, utilize humans as a power source, their lives sustained as unwitting, captive energy sources.
After being freed from this artificial world by a gang of rebels led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo sets out on a mission to outwit the artificial creations inThe Matrix.
He discovers newfound abilities within this digital domain, acquiring superhuman prowess.Remarkably, it was not the adrenaline-pumping action sequences that initially captivated Reeves, but rather the script itself.
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He fondly recollected his first encounter, highlighting the dialogue and profound ideas. The actor revealed in the interview withEmpire,
“It was the script, the writing first of all. The way that the characters speak and what they say. I loved the dialogue and the ideas in the piece. I was struck by the storytelling. They [screenwriters-directors, the Wachowski siblings] found a way in a kind of linear journey to tell a non-linear story. It wasn’t what I call a climbing a mountain thing.”
It was the storytelling, the Wachowski siblings’ capacity to craft a non-linear narrative within a linear structure, that left an indelible impression.
Nonetheless, Reeves, often hailed as a thoughtful actor, felt the script’s depth and potential. Beyond the gravity-defying stunts and groundbreaking visuals, it was the intellectual and philosophical bedrock ofThe Matrixthat beckoned him.
However, it’s worth noting that theJohn Wickstar wasn’t the initial choice forThe Matrixscript, a fascinating twist in the saga of this cinematic masterpiece.
Keanu Reeves Wasn’t The First Choice For Neo InThe Matrix
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The Matrixfilm franchise is unbreakably linked to thePoint Breakperformer portrayal of Neo, the iconic figure who dares to challenge the boundaries of reality.
Yet, it’s a compelling twist of fate to realize that Reeves wasn’t the original choice for this pivotal role. Lana and Lilly Wachowski, the visionary creators, initially envisioned Will Smith as their ideal Neo in the first movie.
They pitched the concept to Smith, but the star of Independence Day found it perplexing and declined the opportunity.
Smith’s decision to decline the role led him to accept a part inWild Wild West, a decision he has since expressed regret over due to the film’s critical and commercial failure.
The Wachowskis, undeterred, explored several other potential actors, including Nicolas Cage, who had to decline, mentioning family commitments.
In the end, Reeves stepped into Neo’s shoes and delivered a performance that not only defined his career but also brought an unexpected burst of providence to the enduring legacy of the film.
Source:Empire
Muskan Chaudhary
Articles Published :694
Muskan Chaudhary, Junior Content Writer at Fandom wire. Having completed her degree in Commerce, she has written over 500 articles spanning FandomWire and Animated Times in the pop culture. She is dedicated to bring the latest and informative content from the entertainment world, thus expanding her knowledge in the field. Apart from her contributions to FandamWire, she has a keen interest in video games, sketching and playing tennis.
