1999’s The Matrix was a much-lauded endeavor of that time, starring talents such as Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and others. Even today, cinephiles are highly appreciative of the film’s timeless and ephemeral narrative. The Wachowskis-directed movie offered the world an intriguing premise with some of the most iconic characters in fictional history. One such notable character happens to be Trinity, portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss.
As is typical of most ambitious Hollywood projects, various talents within the industry were competing for the role that ultimately went to Moss. You would be surprised to know that Oscar nominee Salma Hayek was on the list of such contenders. However, one particular personality trait of the Mexican-American actress forbade her from landing the memorable role.
In an episode of Red Table Talk, Hayek discussed the truth behind how she nearly joined the 1999 project.
Carrie-Anne Moss’ Iconic Role Almost Went To Salma Hayek
In a 2021 episode of Red Table Talk, the popular chat show jointly hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, and Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Salma Hayek made an appearance. Various topics were discussed in this particular episode. However, one revelation which made headlines was how the Frida actress was amongst the list of finalists who were originally contending for the role of Trinity in The Matrix. Sadly, the actress failed to make the cut. Why, you may wonder?
Turns out, the reason behind the actress’ failure to land the role was because of her laziness. This particular shortcoming of hers essentially prohibited her from embodying one of the iconic main characters of the famed franchise.
Offering an elaboration on the matter, she stated the following:
“We were (about herself and Jada Pinkett Smith) one of the four finalists for The Matrix. And so, we had to go through many hurdles and screen testing and many auditions … It was the physical test. Now I’m flexible, I’m agile. But, I am lazy. I never really went to the gym.”
What happened was that the 56-year-old talent was asked to run around the room. Hayek, however, failed to accomplish the task as she ran short of breath. At the end of the day, the actress couldn’t fit the physical requirements necessary for Trinity’s active, stunt-oriented role. “I didn’t get the part. They never called me again after that day,” Hayek concluded.
Hayek first met Jada Pinkett Smith during the painstaking auditioning process for the 1999 film. In the same episode of the popular chat show, the Grown Ups alum recalled the drastic differences between her own physical capabilities and that of her long-time friend. To say Hayek was impressed by Pinkett Smith’s stupendous skills would be an understatement.
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Physical Capabilities Impressed Salma Hayek
Besides Carrie-Anne Moss and Salma Hayek, Jada Pinkett Smith was another talent on the list of four finalists contending for Trinity’s role. In comparison to the Eternals star, who failed the physical test, Pinkett Smith was extremely fit and suitable for the strenuous, stamina-related aspects of the role.
Salma Hayek said the following about the Girls Trip alum’s impressive skills:
“And in comes Jada. A mean, lean, sexy machine. Oh, my god! She was so good! It was so embarrassing. She was so fit. She was so focused. She was so disciplined. She was so capable. She was so gracious. And I just looked at this woman and I thought to myself, ‘That’s what I want to be when I grow up.’ She was really impressive.”
Jada Pinkett Smith’s physical competence, although quite remarkable, did not manage to get her the role of Trinity. However, it did allow the Wachowskis, who were moved by the actress’ skills, to create a character like Niobe specifically for the Scream 2 star. Ultimately, it was Carrie-Anne Moss who checked all the boxes for embodying Trinity. Even Pinkett Smith voiced appreciation for her, stating that Moss was “perfect” for the role.
For fans of the much-adored franchise, imagining anybody else playing Trinity becomes an impossible task, as Carrie-Anne Moss’ portrayal is a testament to her enigmatic charm and acting prowess.
The Matrix, starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Laurence Fishburne, is available for streaming on Max.
Source: Red Table Talk
