“I wasn’t evolved enough to actually realize that”: Keanu Reeves’ Matrix Co-Star Laurence Fishburne Turned Down Quentin Tarantino’s $213M Cult-Classic for Extreme Violence Against Black Men

Laurence Fishburne has proven to be a great asset to The Matrix franchise as he gained global stardom with his Morpheus role by working alongside Keanu Reeves. He reunited with the star in the John Wick film series where he portrayed The Bowery King. With these projects, he has successfully created an authoritative image of his characters in the industry. Given his action-packed career, it is surprising to learn he once turned down renowned filmmaker, Quentin Tarantino’s project.

Also Read: John Wick 4 Star Laurence Fishburne Lied About His Age to Bag $100M Marlon Brando Film

The actor in an old interview with Vulture opened up about rejecting the role of Jules Winnfield in Tarantino’s 1994 film, Pulp Fiction. For a fun fact, the role was originally written for the John Wick star! As for why he turned down the role, he explained about having an issue with the film’s treatment of Marsellus Wallace’s character.

Laurence Fishburne Was Unhappy With Film’s Portrayal of Black Character

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While the 61-year-old actor had different thoughts on turning down the role, he opened up about how the film’s portrayal of another black role, Marsellus Wallace affected his decision. The role was eventually portrayed by Ving Rhames.

“It was about the totality of the thing, where I was like, ‘Why is it that the biggest, blackest, baddest motherf–ker in the whole thing gets f–ked in the a-s by two country a-s motherf–kers?’ Explain me that.”

Laurence Fishburne continued to further share that Rhames had already encountered it many times.

“But when you talk to Ving, he was like, ‘You know what, Fish? You have no idea how many cats have told me, ‘Thank you for doing that,’ and appreciated the fact that I was able to do that because some cats, that happens to them, and they’re still men.”

He further shared,

“Just because you get r-ped, doesn’t make you any less a man. I wasn’t evolved enough to actually realize that, or to even think about it in those terms, but Ving was. Everything’s not for everybody.”

He acknowledged Rhames’ portrayal and knew not everyone can nail any role. Rhames was cast after giving one of the best auditions as per film producer, Lawrence Bender. Not just the character, Fishburne also had issues over the glorification of heroin use.

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction Glorified Heroin!

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It was another factor that led him to pass on the 1994 film as he felt that the filmmaker’s portrayal of heroin was a little glorified. Stating that “‘Pulp Fiction’ wasn’t for me,” he put forward his issue.

“I just had a problem with the way the heroin use was dealt with. I just felt it was a little cavalier, and it was a little loose.”

He didn’t want to present something he felt was not right as he continued,

“I felt like it made heroin use attractive. For me, it’s not just my character. It’s, ‘What is the whole thing saying?’ … I just was like, ‘No, I don’t get it as an actor'”

The role eventually ended up with Samuel L. Jackson. He was even nominated for an Oscar for his performance. Being nominated for Best Picture, the film ended up winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Pulp Fiction is available on Miramax.

Source: Vulture