Keanu Reeves made the role of Neo in The Matrix famous, however we very nearly had another A-list actor in the lead role.
We bring you Sandra Bullock.
We kid you not – apparently old mate Sandy was tipped to don the big leather coat and play the role of Neo in the sci-fi classic.
Were not sure we can see anyone else in the role, fending off Hugo Weavings Agent Smith but boss Sandra would have done a pretty stellar job had it have happened.
Turns out before they found Keanu, who was already famous after starring in Bill and Ted, and Speed alongside Sandra, producers were desperate and thought about changing the sex of Neo to bring Sandra into the Wachowskis-directed film.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura told The Wrap: We went out to so many people I dont remember. We were getting desperate.
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We went to Sandy Bullock and said “Well change Neo to a girl.” [Producer] Joel Silver and I worked with Sandy on Demolition Man and she was – and continues to be – a very good friend of mine. It was pretty simple. We sent her the script to see if she was interested in it. And if she was interested in it we would try to make the change.
It just wasnt something for her at the time. So really it didnt go anywhere.
According to The Wrap, Sandra didnt recall being eyed up for the role, but that the producer had always been supportive of her acting career.
She added that ultimately the right person was cast.
After starring in 1994s Speed alongside Keanu, Sandra was considered for the role alongside fellow strong-armers in the movie game Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Will Smith, who admitted he turned it down for Wild Wild West. Which is wild.
Wow this film really would have been so different had it had a different lead – we are shooketh.
The first movie star who says yes is Brad Pitt, hes doing Seven Years in Tibet and then hes coming out of it and hes like “Im way too exhausted to take this on,” so hes gone,” di Bonaventura said. Then we go to Leonardo.
More: Sandra Bullock
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He says yes, we have meetings with him and then he goes, “You know, I cant go do another visual effects movie having just finished Titanic,” and he drops out. Then Will Smith joins it and he drops out.
Ah well alls well that ends well and seeing as the thing went on to burn $463.5 milRead More – Source
