The iconic 1999 sci-fi action movie The Matrix was famously pitched to Will Smith in the late 1990s, with hopes that he would take on the role of Neo. If he had accepted, it could have significantly altered the character of Morpheus, potentially transitioning the key role to another actor. The Wachowskis sought out many top talents for this groundbreaking film, including Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage, and Leonardo DiCaprio, all of whom turned down the part of Neo for various reasons. At one point, they even considered casting a female lead, with Sandra Bullock being a candidate for the role of Neo. Ultimately, Will Smith chose to decline the opportunity, selecting instead to star in the less successful action comedy Wild Wild West.
In a 2019 YouTube video, Smith explained that his primary reason for passing on the role stemmed from confusion over what the Wachowskis were proposing, coupled with a hesitation to take on consecutive sci-fi films, having already starred in Independence Day in 1996 and Men In Black in 1997. He mentioned that had he seized the powers of Neo, it was likely that the character of Morpheus would have been given to a different actor. This speculation is particularly intriguing, considering that in discussions regarding the film’s casting, Smith believed that casting two black actors in those central roles would have been improbable.
Additionally, Smith revealed that the Wachowskis were interested in Val Kilmer for the role of Morpheus. Kilmer, who was also experiencing a peak in his career at the time, ultimately turned down both the roles of Morpheus and Neo, although the details surrounding these decisions remain somewhat ambiguous. While Kilmer was a notable contender, several other actors were also considered for Morpheus. Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, and Russell Crowe all reportedly engaged in various levels of conversation about this pivotal character, but none of those discussions advanced far enough to result in casting.
The role of Morpheus ultimately went to Laurence Fishburne, who delivered an unforgettable performance as the wise captain of the Nebuchadnezzar, complete with some of the film’s most memorable lines and a striking costume. If the role hadn’t been awarded to Fishburne, Kilmer would have undoubtedly provided an interesting interpretation. By the late 1990s, Kilmer had already established himself as a compelling leading man, earning acclaim for roles such as Iceman in Top Gun, Jim Morrison in The Doors, and Doc Holliday in the classic Western Tombstone.
Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison was so intense that he required therapy to detach from the character after filming concluded. Despite his talent for depicting more arrogant characters, Kilmer showed an impressive range that could potentially suit the multifaceted Morpheus, typically portrayed as a calm and grounded figure in the franchise. Morpheus is a larger-than-life character, one that demands a strong presence. Kilmer’s previous performances demonstrated that he could convincingly portray subtle yet powerful characters, making him a fascinating choice for Morpheus.
It’s important to consider how the film could have transformed if Will Smith and Val Kilmer had taken on the roles of Neo and Morpheus, respectively. Keanu Reeves’ performance as Neo is now strongly associated with the character in popular culture, but it may be that Laurence Fishburne’s portrayal of Morpheus has become even more iconic. Thanks to his role as the mentor figure, Morpheus is responsible for some of the film’s most significant exposition, which includes unforgettable moments such as his tour of the Matrix with Neo, his fierce battle against Agent Smith, and the vital phone call that stirs Neo into action.
Some of the most powerful scenes from The Matrix revolve around Fishburne’s ability to balance calm wisdom with intense conviction. It’s a challenge to imagine the film without Fishburne’s steady yet commanding presence. Although other actors might have added their distinct style to the character, it’s clear that many pivotal scenes wouldn’t wield the same impact if not for Fishburne’s skilled performance.
The visionary direction of the Wachowskis was commendable, but if Will Smith and Val Kilmer had come on board as Neo and Morpheus, the overall tone of The Matrix might have shifted dramatically. With Fishburne’s Morpheus serving as the bedrock for much of the film’s exposition—and ultimately iconic quotes—the impact of his absence would create a vastly different experience. The Matrix stands as a monumental film that has left a lasting impression on the sci-fi genre, and the hypothetical casting could have altered its legacy forever.