What If ‘The Matrix’ Starred Will Smith?

Will Smith turned down an offer to be Neo in The Matrix. Big Willy explained why he turned down the role in an interview with Wired.

You know, The Matrix is a difficult concept to pitch. In the pitch, I just didn’t see it. I watched Keanu’s performance – and very rarely do I say this – but I would have messed it up. I would have absolutely messed up The Matrix. At that point I wasn’t smart enough as an actor to let the movie be. Whereas Keanu was smart enough to just let it be. Let the movie and the director tell the story, and don’t try and perform every moment.

But what if Smith was the lead in the sci-fi classic? That’s the question that YouTube user The Unusual Suspect decided to ask and answer in this incredible mashup.

This alternate-universe version of The Matrix trailer features Smith as Neo.

So Smith passed on The Matrix and signed up for Wild Wild West?