9 Actors Who Almost Won Roles in “The Matrix”

Brad Pitt once opened up about almost being cast in The Matrix as Neo: “I did pass on The Matrix. I took the red pill. That’s the only one I’m naming.” But he wasn’t the only actor to turn down a role in this popular film.

We at Bright Side imagined 9 other actors that could’ve scored iconic roles in The Matrix and would like to share them with you.

1. Sandra Bullock as Trinity

Producer Joel Silver wanted Sandra Bullock for the film and sent her a script in case she was interested: “We went to Sandy Bullock and said, ‘We’ll change Neo.” She was also considered for the role of Trinity. Instead of making The Matrix, Bullock decided to take a role in Forces Of Nature. It wasn’t as successful as the first film and the movie critics were cold.

2. Jennifer Lopez as Trinity

The movie would look a bit different if Jennifer Lopez had played the role of Trinity. She was also considered among other actresses, including Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Drew Barrymore, Kate Hudson, and Uma Thurman.

3. Russell Crowe as Morpheus

Russell Crowe was offered the role of Morpheus but he turned it down, although the risk was big. Instead, he chose to act in The Insider, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind.

4. Sean Connery as Morpheus

Besides the role of the Architect, Sean Connery was offered the role of Morpheus. He turned it down because he couldn’t understand the material, and the role eventually went to Laurence Fishburne.

5. Jean Reno as Agent Smith

Agent Smith was played by Hugo Weaving, but he wasn’t the first actor offered the role. In fact, Jean Reno was also considered. He refused to take it because he couldn’t move to Australia for the length of the production.

6. Michelle Yeoh as Seraph

The role of Seraph was initially offered to Michelle Yeoh. She had to decline due to a scheduling conflict. After that, the character was changed to a male.

7. Jet Li as Seraph

After Michelle Yeoh declined the role, it was offered to Jet Li but he also rejected it: “It was a commercial struggle for me. I realized they wanted me to film for 3 months but be with the crew for 9.”

8. David Duchovny as Neo

David Duchovny was considered for the part of Neo but he eventually took another role in The X-Files: Fight the Future.

9. Leonardo DiCaprio as Neo

Leonardo DiCaprio accepted the role of Neo but then had to refuse: “You know, I can’t go do another visual effects movie having just finished Titanic.” Then Will Smith joined and he rejected it as well.

Which actors could take on the main roles in The Matrix in your opinion? Who would you like to see in the fourth part of this movie?