While Keanu Reeves ultimately became the iconic face of Neo in The Matrix films, several other prominent actors were considered for the lead role before him.
One of the actors who came very close to playing Neo was Will Smith. He was offered the opportunity to take on the character but ultimately decided to turn it down in favor of starring in the film Wild Wild West. Smith later expressed regret over this decision, acknowledging the monumental success and lasting cultural impact of The Matrix series.
Beyond Will Smith, a number of other well-known Hollywood stars were also approached for the pivotal role, indicating the wide range of talent considered for the character's portrayal.
Other Notable Actors Approached for Neo
The casting process for Neo involved discussions with several leading actors of the time, including:
- Tom Cruise
- Johnny Depp
- Brad Pitt
- Nicolas Cage
- Leonardo DiCaprio
This extensive list highlights the various directions the casting could have taken before Keanu Reeves was eventually chosen, cementing his place in cinematic history as the legendary "One."
