Working in The Matrix franchise alongside Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is a big opportunity, however, it will certainly put a star in a dilemma if they are also offered a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Actress Jessica Henwick, who is well-known for her work in Game of Thrones and Iron Fist, had to choose between The Matrix Resurrections and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In the end, Henwick made the decision to star alongside Keanu Reeves. Henwick’s dynamic on-screen presence and dedication have certainly solidified her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Jessica Henwick had to choose between The Matrix Resurrections and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
In 2021, it was revealed that actress Jessica Henwick was given an ultimatum to choose between The Matrix Resurrections and Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In an interview, she was asked about the decision and she replied (via Entertainment Weekly),
“It was a red-pill/blue-pill moment for me.”
It mainly comes down to the screen time she was getting. She plays a key role as Bugs in 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. It doesn’t faze her that she let go of the MCU, getting the opportunity to work with a star like Keanu Reeves was a big achievement for her.
Jessica Henwick talked about working with Keanu Reeves
Like all other celebrities, even Henwick had a great experience working with Keanu Reeves in the movie. In an interview with the Associated Press, the actress said,
“It’s pretty trippy to be working with Keanu, having grown up watching so many of his films. I mean, what an icon, they just don’t make them like that anymore!”
Henwick also appeared as Jessika “Testor” Pava in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, however, she was initially shortlisted for another role. She was selected for the role of Rey in the movie, but that role went to Daisy Ridley, so director J.J. Abrams then wrote the role of Jessika “Testor” Pava specifically for her.
Jessica Henwick trained hard for her role in the movie
In order to keep up with seasoned stars like Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves, Henwick worked hard in the gym. Since her role required her to do a lot of stunts, it was important for her to stay in decent shape. The actress once recalled (via GameRant),
“I had to give it my all. I devoted myself to it. We trained pretty hard in the run-up and we kept training all the way through filming. When we were shut down for COVID and we went off three months, I still was at home training every day, even though we didn’t know if we were going back.”
While the performances of the main cast were praised, The Matrix Resurrections was a box office failure, grossing $159 million worldwide on a production budget of $190 million.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
