Did You Know Keanu Reeves’s The Matrix Franchise Was Originally Offered To Johnny Depp?

Keanu Reeves’ Neo in The Matrix was initially offered to A-list stars, including Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith.

Johnny Depp was once one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, known for his iconic role in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Edward Scissorhands. While his unique acting style and humor made him a household name, it was not until the highly publicized defamation trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. The prosecution not only brought a sharp downturn to his critically acclaimed career, but the fallout in his personal life also led to significant professional downfalls, losing his roles at the Disney and WB franchises.

Looking back at the actor’s career, he has contributed significantly to the industry.

Johnny Depp Was Offered Keanu Reeves’ The Matrix Role

Over two decades ago, the industry delivered a masterpiece in sci-fi. Starring Keanu Reeves, The Matrix established a new world of order in the film and television industry, grossing $1.79 billion worldwide from all four chapters- The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, and Matrix Resurrections.

Crafted by the Wachowski sisters, the project captivated audiences by intertwining themes of reality, technology, and human consciousness. While the main protagonist, Neo, was brilliantly played by Reeves, surprisingly, the role was originally offered to Johnny Depp. However, the Pirates of the Caribbean star turned down the role despite his renowned reputation in the industry.

Warner Bros. explored several options for the role, including Depp, Brad Pitt, and Val Kilmer, but both Pitt and Kilmer turned it down. In the end, Reeves secured the role, propelling him to widespread fame.

Keanu Reeves Was ‘Lucky’ For The Matrix

After all the A-list stars turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix, Reeves was approached. In a throwback, Reddit MMA, Reeves recalled his casting, adding, “I was fortunate. Heh. Um, I got a call from my agent, saying that these directors, the Wachowskis, wanted to meet, and they sent me the script…”

He continued, “…and the script was amazing, and I went in to meet with them, and they showed me some artwork, of their vision, and an early version of “bullet time,” and it was fascinating and inspiring, and we looked at each other, we ended up hanging out in a parking lot outside the offices just talking and riffing, and we just kinda shook hands – they told me they wanted me to train for 4 months before filming, and I got a big grin on my face and said: ‘Yes.’”

Reeves reportedly played Neo in all the chapters of The Matrix. The movies are available to watch on Amazon Prime.

For more such updates, check out Hollywood News.

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