Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
It’s already been 30 years sinceThe Matrixhas opened in theatres.The movie gained widespread acclaim and praise for its innovative visual effects, action sequences, cinematography, and entertainment value.
More than that, the well-organized story, fantastic battles, and unique characters like Neo makeThe Matrixa must-see and one of the best classic sci-fi action films ever made.A large part of the franchise’s success goes to its main actor, Keanu Reeves. He excelled in the part of Neo, which is no less than iconic.
But did you know the starring role was originally offered to many other actors who turned it down?
Also read:“We were hammered by then”: Replacing Johnny Depp in Quentin Tarantino Movie Against Studio’s Wish Happened Because Marvel Star Got Extremely Drunk With Director
Wachowski Sisters’ First Choice For the Role of Neo was Johnny Depp
Yes right! Keanu Reeves was the filmmakers’ second choice, as the role was initially also offered to stars likeJohnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nic Cage, Val Kilmer, and Brad Pitt, and the majority turned it down because they didn’t understand the script. But it wasn’t the reason for Depp.
According to The trilogy’s composer, Don Davis, thePirates Of The Caribbeanactor was the Wachowski Sisters’ first choice for the role, whereas Warner Bros wanted to cast Brad Pitt or Val Kilmer as Neo.
The filmmakers were high on Depp, but he was busy doingDonnie Brasco(1997) andFear and Loathing in Las Vegas(1998).As per reports, Depp turned the film down the role due to his own busy schedule at the time — which is correct.
That’s not the first time he turned down any role. Before Leonardo DiCaprio landed the role of Jack Dawson, Depp was offered to star in the lead role inTitanic, but again, he turned down an amazing offer.
Also read:“She was the object of everybody’s lust”: Like Scarlett Johansson, Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean Co-Star Hated Being a S*x Symbol That Made Her Leave Mainstream Cinema
The MatrixCould Have Double Down Johnny Depp’s Money to $550
Over the years, Johnny Depp has passed many roles, and his success is proof. However, there are some roles like Neo which could have taken him to another level.
Pirates of the Caribbeanfranchise was highly lucrative for Depp, making him a reported $300 million in total. But another franchise could have doubled his money —The Matrix,which came into theaters and completely changed the game for action movies.
The trilogy ofMatrixfilms made by Keanu Reeves earned $250 million.The final film in that franchise was released back in 2003, which is also the same year that the firstPirates of the Caribbeanmovie hit theaters.
If the filming schedule had been worked out well, Depp could have hauled over $550 million (combined). Althoughthe actor has not expressed any regrets for losing the role because opportunities neglected can never be returned.
Also read:“I will not give you a drag of my cigarette”: Johnny Depp Tried to Save Leonardo DiCaprio from Picking His Smoking Habit in $10M Movie That Landed Him First Oscar Nomination
Source:Screen Rant
Shreya Jha
Articles Published :1042
Meet Shreya, FandomWire’s go-to Pop-Culture Writer. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a pop culture obsession that rivals even the most die-hard ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel fans.Her articles have been published in Animated Times, Creator Mail, and The Luxxe Mag. When Shreya’s not busy dishing out hot takes, she is lost in the world of rom-coms.
