The Matrix franchise is well known for revolutionizing the cinema world with its stunning visuals and graphics. From the very release of the first movie, The Matrix made an everlasting impact on the souls of the audience. The franchise is represented well by Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity. But did you know the hit duo could have been represented by the celebrity couple Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith?
Will Smith refused to play the hit character of Neo in the blockbuster franchise created by The Wachowskis, as the Bad Boys star was in no mood to shoot another alien movie after Independence Day. But the Men in Black star would have never thought at that particular time that he is losing an iconic role. His wife Jada Pinkett-Smith too auditioned for the role of Trinity, the female lead of the franchise, but failed to get selected.
Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Failed Audition For Trinity
Carrie-Anne Moss’ portrayal of Trinity was loved by fans, but imagining the Hawthorne star in the role too looks surely promising. Jada Pinkett-Smith revealed during an interview that she failed to grab the role as there was no chemistry between her and Keanu Reeves. The Ali actress did add that she doesn’t blame Reeves for the lack of chemistry as it was a two-way thing and she failed equally, which resulted in her losing the fan-favorite role of Trinity.
“I auditioned for Trinity with Keanu. But Keanu and I didn’t, uh, really click… At that particular time, no we didn’t… we actually became really good friends. Oh yeah. We just didn’t have any chemistry, he and I. I don’t think it was his fault. I think it was as much my fault as anybody. It wasn’t just Ke, it was me too.”
Jada Pinkett-Smith admitted that she loved the performance of Trinity by Carrie-Anne Moss. The co-host of the Red Table Talk show believed that she could never have justified the role of Trinity as well as Moss did,
“I do wish [I had been cast as Trinity], but I look at Carrie-Anne and I just go, she’s freaking amazing. There’s no way in the world I would have brought that.”
Jada Pinkett-Smith Lied To Play Niobe In The Matrix Franchise
The co-host of the Red Table Talk show may have missed the role of Trinity but the makers spotted her potential and planned to bring back the actress by introducing a new character named Niobe in the sequel of The Matrix. Jada Pinkett-Smith confessed that she lied to get the role as she had no plans to leave the role in the superhit franchise. The Ali actress was pregnant when the makers approached her for the role, but Jada Pinkett-Smith lied about her pregnancy due date to grab the role.
“I didn’t get Trinity, but they kept me in mind. And they wrote a part for me called Niobe. I’ll never forget when they called me in and they were like, Jada, we have this role for you, Niobe, but you’re pregnant. And I’ll tell you a secret. I lied. Because Willow was supposed to be due November 11 but I told them, ‘No worries, the baby’s coming in October, so by the time the end of November, I’m going to be ready. Let me tell you, my baby girl came on October 31st. Do you know mama was ready? I was ready. End of November to start The Matrix. Pushed that baby out, got in the gym, and got it together.”
It looks like Jada Pinkett-Smith was destined to be part of the franchise in one way or the other. Will Smith may have not grabbed the role of Neo, but thanks to him, his wife got introduced to the iconic world of Matrix.
Source: The Howard Stern Show and Vanity Fair
