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Carrie-Ann Moss, aka Trinity from The Matrix, was surrounded by raining offers after the movie concluded a successful trilogy in 2003. Moss was going through a significant life-changing phase; she had to choose between the limelight and motherhood. Contemplating what she wanted more in the long run, the Die Alone actress took a willing break from her career to embrace motherhood.

Carrie-Anne Moss plays Jedi Master Indara in The Acolyte | Lucasfilm

The Matrix, a sci-fi cocktail spilling the trajectory of multiple realities, was first released in 1999, directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. The movie followed two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, in 2003 after attaining a remarkable triumph from fans and critics alike. Moss tasted the path of glory with the sci-fi trilogy starring alongside Keanu Reeves but decided to bid farewell to the cinema, only to return with more.

Carrie-Ann Moss embraced motherhood over films after The Matrix...

Carrie-Anne Moss is opening up about rejecting offers after The Matrix.

The 57-year-old actress starred in the movie franchise as Trinity, with the first being released in 1999.

While she had potential to continue taking on big roles, Carrie-Anne turned down offers as she had another idea of a path to take.

Keep reading to find out more…

“After The Matrix was such a big deal, I took a big, big break to have children and be with them,” she told The Independent. “I remember being torn, having a little twinge like ‘Gosh, I’m getting offered such great things. That would be such a huge deal.’ And I was holding my baby in my arms, and I remember thinking, ‘At the end of my life, will it matter to me that I have another movie on my résumé? Or will it matter to me that I held my baby?’ And I instantly thought,...

After The Matrix made Carrie-Anne Moss a household name, she was offered a wave of major Hollywood roles. However, at the time, the actor opted to turn them down.

Speaking to The Independent, Moss said she decided to step away from acting to focus on raising her family. "After The Matrix was such a big deal, I took a big, big break to have children and be with them," she said. "I remember being torn, having a little twinge like, 'Gosh, I’m getting offered such great things. That would be such a huge deal.' And I was holding my baby in my arms, and I remember thinking, 'At the end of my life, will it matter to me that I have another movie on my résumé? Or will it matter to me that I held my baby?' And I instantly thought, no. It was just a no-brainer.

Carrie-Anne Moss has spoken about stepping away from Hollywood at the height of her career to focus on raising her children. The actress, best known for playing Trinity in The Matrix franchise, turned down major film offers following the success of the trilogy to prioritize her family.

“After The Matrix was such a big deal, I took a big, big break to have children and be with them,” Moss said in a recent interview with The Independent. “I remember being torn, having a little twinge like, ‘Gosh, I’m getting offered such great things. That would be such a huge deal.’ And I was holding my baby in my arms, and I remember thinking, ‘At the end of my life, will it matter to me that I have another movie on my résumé? Or will it matter to me that I held my baby?’ And I instantly thought, no. It was just a no-brainer.

Carrie-Anne Moss has no regrets about choosing to focus on motherhood over her career.

During a recent interview with The Independent, the actress opened up about her reasoning for turning down big movie deals at the height of her career, when The Matrix franchise was skyrocketing.

“After The Matrix was such a big deal, I took a big, big break to have children and be with them,” Moss explained. “I remember being torn, having a little twinge like, ‘Gosh, I’m getting offered such great things. That would be such a huge deal.'”

She continued, “And I was holding my baby in my arms, and I remember thinking, ‘At the end of my life, will it matter to me that I have another movie on my résumé? Or will it matter to me that I held my baby?’ And I instantly thought, no. It was just a no-brainer. And...

Carrie-Anne Moss recently gave an interview to The Independent and said she has no regrets after pulling back from her acting career amid the skyrocketing success of “The Matrix” franchise. Moss starred as Trinity opposite Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne in the Wachowski’s 1999 action classic and its two sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions,” both released in 2003. She strategically declined major offers after the trilogy wrapped in order to become a mom and prioritize her family.

“After ‘The Matrix’ was such a big deal, I took a big, big break to have children and be with them,” Moss told the publication. “I remember being torn, having a little twinge like ‘Gosh, I’m getting offered such great things. That would be such a huge deal.’ And I was holding my baby in my arms, and I remember thinking, ‘At the end of my life, will it matter...

Stars: Douglas Smith, Kimberly-Sue Murray, Carrie-Anne Moss, Frank Grillo, Jonathan Cherry | Written and Directed by Lowell Dean

Die Alone is the most recent film from Saskatchewan-based filmmaker Lowell Dean. If you’ve heard of him, it’s probably because of the over-the-top genre comedies WolfCop and Another WolfCop. But he’s done several other films, including the zombie film 13 Eerie and the post-apocalyptic action film SuperGrid, which I was lucky enough to catch along with a Q&a session with him at the Saskatoon Fantastic Film Festival a few years back.

Both zombies and a post-apocalyptic setting return in Die Alone, but it’s not a typical tale of the zombie apocalypse, although that isn’t easy to tell from the opening scenes. Ethan and his girlfriend Emma were heading to his cabin when their car crashed. Ethan wakes up to find Emma and most of his memories, are missing.

Quick LinksKaren Page and Foggy Nelson Are Integral to Matt Murdock's StoryHow Foggy's Murder Affects Karen and Matt's FutureMatt Murdock Abandoned One Mission to Take Up AnotherKilling Foggy Is a Mixed Bag for Daredevil: Born Again

The following contains spoilers for the two premiere episodes of Daredevil: Born Again, now streaming on Disney+.

When Marvel Studios took over TV production, a fan campaign to "save Daredevil" got underway. Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio reprised their roles as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk in other Marvel projects, leading up to Daredevil: Born Again. At first, Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll weren't part of the conversation, but eventually, they were brought back to reprise their roles as Franklin "Foggy" Nelson and Karen Page.

The premiere episode of Daredevil: Born Again brings Matt Murdock, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page back to the small screen. However, viewers shouldn't get too attached...

Wicked Box Office: Set To Release In Japan(Photo Credit – Instagram)

Oscar-winning musical fantasy Wicked is still running at the box office and is set to be released in Japan. The movie will potentially see a boost in box office performance after its Oscar wins, and it might even help the film earn record numbers in Japan. There is a chance it might surpass the worldwide haul of Keanu Reeves’s starrer The Matrix Reloaded. Scroll below for the deets.

The movie was released around Thanksgiving and registered several box office records. It was directed by Jon M Chu, adapting the first act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The film featured Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Made on a budget of $150 million, it is the fifth highest-grossing film of last year.

For the uninitiated,...

Our hero Ethan is contending with a strange kind of cyclical amnesia that makes dealing with the flesh-eating undead a good deal harder

As this highly derivative but mildly absorbing Canadian horror thriller kicks off, we meet Ethan (Douglas Smith), a young man seemingly on the verge of killing himself. He looks out over a picturesque stretch of Saskatchewan landscape bathed in magic-hour glow before we cut to a welter of confusing, often blood-soaked flashbacks (or flashforwards) – and his voiceover then explains that although his memory doesn’t work so well, he’d rather not remember most of his life anyway. That’s because unfortunate Ethan is suffering from a kind of cyclical amnesia, not unlike the disorder that bedevilled Guy Pearce’s character in Memento, which compels him to keep reintroducing himself to people he’s met many times before. This is a particularly dangerous condition to have because...

Did You Know Brad Pitt Passed On The Matrix Before Keanu Reeves Came Onboard? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

For years, sci-fi enthusiasts have been caught off guard by a revelation about Brad Pitt: that he once turned down a role in The Matrix. The idea of Pitt entering the cyberpunk universe alongside Morpheus and Trinity has left fans in a state of wonder. Would he have slipped into the iconic black trench coat as Neo, or was another part on the table?

A Role Never Meant To Be

While promoting Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019, Pitt casually acknowledged that he had been approached for the now-legendary film but chose to walk away. He kept the details vague, only admitting to passing on The Matrix and hinting at a few other major projects he had declined over the years. To him, the role was simply never meant to be.

“I did pass on The Matrix.

Jon Favreau's 2008 film "Iron Man" kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a multimedia superhero property that would remain dominant in the pop consciousness for over a decade. Initially, "Iron Man" and Louis Leterrier's own 2008 MCU movie "The Incredible Hulk" (which finally got a sequel of sorts in 2025) were meant to be mere stand-alone superhero sories, only including references to the Avengers as a cute wink to fans. But when Disney purchased the Marvel library in 2009, a grander plan was put in motion, laying out multiple films at once, each one introducing a new character. Eventually, all the superhero characters teamed up in 2012's "The Avengers," which was essentially the cinematic version of a TV season finale. That structure held fast through to "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019, the 22nd film in the franchise, and one that featured many, many superheroes.

While the McU's movies were dominating theaters, Netflix got in on the action as well.

How many movies arrive with the seismic thunder of The Matrix? Debuting to little fanfare in 1999, the movie became a sensation. Suddenly, black leather, trenchcoats, and sleek sunglasses became all the rage. Other movies rushed to parody and pilfer the film’s fight choreography. And in a feat matched only by Star Wars, The Matrix spawned its own religion. Suffice it to say anticipation ran high for the arrival of The Matrix Reloaded four years later.

In another feat also only matched by Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, The Matrix Reloaded debuted to Leviathan hype. Warner Bros. promoted the film with 24-hour showings in cinemas, but this time, the audience walked away feeling cheated and confused. In fact, despite earning positive reviews and doing mammoth box office, The Matrix Reloaded gained — and still maintains — a reputation as one of the worst sequels of all time. Thus, the time has come...

What was Jada Pinkett Smith’s condition about working in The Matrix Reloaded? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Jada Pinkett Smith not only gets recognized as Will Smith’s wife but also as a multi-hyphenated star. She started as an actress, moved on to the music industry, tried her hands as a talk show host, and so on and so forth. However, it was reported that Jada wanted to join The Matrix franchise in the very first film and even auditioned for Trinity’s role. On the other hand, Will Smith was offered to play Neo’s role. However, it didn’t work out and Trinity’s role went to Carrie-Ann Moss.

But the actress became a part of the franchise as she joined ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ as Niobe. Yes, that’s right. She then went on to feature in the sequels, The Matrix Revolution and The Matrix Resurrections. But, did you know before she said yes,...

The Acolyte was not long for this world, as the Star Wars series was canceled at Disney+ after a single season. While that was obviously not the best news for the show's cast and crew, Dafne Keen still sees the positive side of her involvement with the short-lived series.

In The Acolyte, Keen played Jecki Lon, a Jedi Padawan who meets an unfortunate end before the end of the season. Per Screen Rant, Keen commented on the show getting canceled while at the Saturn Awards. While she admitted that it was difficult news for the team to hear, she is nevertheless happy to have been a part of the show's brief run. Pplaying Jecki still gave Keen a chance to play a Jedi on-screen, which was a bucket list item she's now able to tick off while still rather early into her acting career.

RelatedSigourney Weaver Addresses Her Star Wars Movie Role,...

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith reportedly first hoped to join The Matrix franchise in the very first film and auditioned for the role of Trinity, while her husband, Will Smith was offered the role of Neo. While that alternative universe would surely have been whack, the couple could not do their roles, and Carrie-Anne Moss took up the role of Trinity.

A still from The Matrix Reloaded | Credits: Warner Bros.

However, Pinkett Smith finally joined the franchise in The Matrix Reloaded, playing the part of Niobe. She went on to play the part in the sequels, The Matrix Revolutions and Resurrections as well as the video game Enter the Matrix. While the role was written with her in mind, she reportedly had one condition that needed to be fulfilled for her to join.

The Wachowskis happily agreed to Jada Pinkett Smith’s clause while offering The Matrix Reloaded Jada Pinkett Smith...

Lightbulb Film Distribution has unveiled the official poster and trailer for Die Alone, the upcoming survival thriller starring Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, and Frank Grillo. Directed by Lowell Dean, best known for his cult horror hit WolfCop, the film is set to arrive on Digital, DVD, and Blu-ray in the UK and Ireland on 10th March 2025.

Following its European premiere at Sitges Film Festival last year, Die Alone is now preparing for its wider release, offering a high-intensity blend of action, horror, and survival drama. The film draws inspiration from classics like 28 Days Later, throwing its characters into a brutal post-apocalyptic world where the undead are only part of the threat.

The story follows Ethan (Douglas Smith), a young man who awakens in a desolate landscape with no memory of how he got there. Forced to navigate a dangerous new reality, he crosses paths with hardened survivalists—one of...

Last August, we got word that Lucasfilm/Disney had decided not to movie forward with a second season of The Acolyte despite several major storylines and character arcs being left unresolved by the end of the season 1 finale - including the introduction of Darth Plagueis.

The decision was met with a mixture of indifference and disappointment, but it seemed very clear that a lot of Star Wars fans - and some of the actors involved with the show - were surprised by this development.

Showrunner Leslye Headland was hoping to be able to continue her High Republic era-set tale, and rumor has it that the studio was planning a second season up until fairly recently.

Despite speculation that the negative backlash from many Star Wars fans contributed to the show being canned, reports emerged that The Acolyte was cancelled because it didn't get enough viewers, plain and simple.

However, a...

Guy Pearce is his own biggest critic. If anyone needs any proof of that, then they can look no further than his recent comments about his appearance in Christopher Nolan’s early movie, Memento. Released in 2000, the debut feature film of the director who would go on to make the greatest Batman movie, several mind-bending blockbusters, and the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, saw Pearce taking on the lead role as a man who is hunting his wife’s killer, but has no ability to recall his recent memories. According to the actor, he was “sh-t” in the film.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Scoring 94% from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, and turning a paltry $5-9 million budget into a $40 million box office hit, makes it hard to label Memento as having many failings. In fact, many reviews of the movie specifically single out Pearce’s “unforgettable...

Quick LinksWill Smith Gets His Chance to Play Neo... Sort OfKeanu Reeves Was the Best Choice for 'The Matrix'

Nearly three decades ago, The Matrix made its mark on the science fiction genre, utilizing groundbreaking special effects and storytelling that had moral and philosophical depth. The modern sci-fi classic would also become a defining role for beloved actor Keanu Reeves, with his bullet dodging skills and surprise at learning Karate becoming integrated into '90s pop culture. Yet, the film franchise could have had a different famous face attached to the project, as infamously, Will Smith turned down the role to instead appear in the box office bomb Wild Wild West (at least he got that one catchy single out of it).

While the lore of Smith's disastrous career choice was not enough to derail his career, the actor appears to have recently reflected on the missed opportunity.

Although millions of fans might disagree, Guy Pearce isn’t particularly fond of his performance in 2000’s Memento.

The Oscar nominee recently admitted that he doesn’t care for his performance in the Christopher Nolan-helmed film, which he still thinks is “a good movie” in retrospect, despite his portrayal of memory-addled Leonard Shelby, comparing it to “nails on a chalkboard.”

“I’m having an existential crisis,” he told The Times. “I watched Memento the other day and I’m still depressed. I’m s— in that movie. I’d never thought that before, but I did this Q&a of Memento earlier this month and decided to actually watch the film again. But while it was playing I realized I hate what I did.”

Pearce added, “I was trying to do a flippant attitude, but it was all wrong. John Gielgud once said, ‘You can be good in a good movie,...

Guy Pearce, who was recently nominated for an Academy Award for The Brutalist, admits he had an “existential crisis” watching one of his most well-known movies. Per Entertainment Weekly, Pearce, in an interview with the U.K.’s The Times, said he watched Christopher Nolan’s iconic movie, Memento(2001) not long ago and was “depressed.”

“I’m having an existential crisis. I watched Memento the other day, and I’m still depressed. I’m s**t in that movie. I’d never thought that before, but I did this Q&a of Memento earlier this month and decided to actually watch the film again. But while it was playing I realized I hate what I did,” said the L.A. Confidential actor.

I’m s**t in that movie.

Mementofollows the story of Pearce’s character, Leonard Shelby, who suffers anterograde amnesia that causes him to have no short-term memory.

The Matrix is considered a cinematic masterpiece that people are still talking about years after it first premiered.

The first movie in the franchise arrived in 1999 and starred the likes of Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving. It introduced a franchise that spanned decades with a fourth movie arriving in 2021 and a fifth reportedly in the works in 2025.

The stars were perfectly cast in their roles. However, they weren’t the only actors who auditioned for the movie.

This week, an actor who turned down a role in the movie referenced The Matrix.

Who else auditioned alongside them? We rounded up 14 actors who were in the running for some of the movie’s biggest roles. The list includes an incredibly talented crop of actors, more than half of them Oscar winners!

Scroll through the slideshow to see who was in the running for a starring role in The Matrix…...

It appears Will Smith's recent teases tied to The Matrix weren't related to a potential appearance in the upcoming sequel after all. The Oscar-winning actor transforms into the franchise's most notable character as he returns to making music.

Smith plugged his new music video for his single, "Beautiful Scars," which features fellow acclaimed rapper Big Sean. In the promotional picture, Smith channels The Matrix's main protagonist, Neo, made famous by another award-winning actor, Keanu Reeves. Smith dons a black suit, sunglasses and a red pill, while Big Sean has the same outfit and holds a blue pill, all synonymous with The Matrix's premise.

Related This Beloved Actor From The Matrix Starred in An Incredible Late-90s Crime Thriller

Although he is best remembered for his role in The Matrix, Laurence Fishburne's best performance may actually be in this underrated 90s thriller.

View this post on InstagramA...

Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight series is the golden standard when it comes to modern superhero movies and trilogies. The two-time Oscar-winning director gave a series of Batman movies that offered deep narrative, realism, and character development.

He gave the audience the chance to witness a killer performance by Heath Ledger, bringing life to a chaotic character like the Joker, and making Batman more than just a man in a cape. The trilogy highlights Bruce Wayne’s emotional toll as he grapples with loss, betrayal, and the challenge of juggling his life as a billionaire by day and a vigilante by night.

A still from the Batman Dark Knight | Credits: Warner Bros

Despite the amazing storytelling and practical effects, some feel like the movie had uneven pacing, and the third installment did not live up to the prequels. While Nolan’s Batman series stands tall, it is not the only...

Everything you need to know about Fubar 2(Photo Credit – YouTube)

Fubar, the spy thriller series received a good response from the audience when it first released in May 2023. The success led to its renewal and now the second season of the show is slated for release soon.

Only a month after its release, Fubar was officially renewed for a second season. The action comedy series had eight episodes and the audience enjoyed seeing Arnold in another badass role. Here’s what we know about the upcoming second season of Fubar including cast and filming details.

Fubar Season 2: Returning & New Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger will be back as Luke Brunner. Fubar was his first television series and The Terminator superstar has returned for the second edition of the series. Monica Barbaro plays Luke’s daughter Emma Brunner and the Top Gun: Maverick star will also be back for the second season.

Last April, we learned that The Martian writer and The Cabin in the Woods director Drew Goddard had been tapped to helm a new Matrix movie for Warner Bros. Discovery.

Rumours of a reboot or spin-off have persisted for years, and while we don't know which category this one will fall into, this could mark a return to form for the franchise.

The Matrix was released in 1999 to widespread acclaim, with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions following in 2003. They didn't receive anywhere near as warm a response as the original, and Lana returned to the property (minus Lilly) in 2021 for The Matrix Resurrections. That once again struggled to strike a chord with fans and was widely deemed a disappointment.

There's currently no word on whether original Matrix leads Keanu Reeves, Carrie Anne-Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving will be involved in any way, but a new rumour claims...

Last April, we heard the exciting news: Drew Goddard, known for The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods, was chosen to direct a new Matrix film for Warner Bros. Discovery. Fans have speculated about a reboot or spin-off for years, and this project might finally deliver.

The original Matrix movie, released in 1999, was a massive hit. Its sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, both came out in 2003 but didn’t capture the same enthusiasm. In 2021, Lana Wachowski returned (without Lilly) to direct The Matrix Resurrections, but it also struggled with fans.

We still don’t know if original stars like Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, or Hugo Weaving will join this new venture. However, a rumor from @MyTimeToShineH (via the Sff Gazette) suggests that Ariana Grande could be one of the leads in Goddard’s Matrix. This would be a big leap for Grande, especially after her praised role in Wicked.

2024 was a slightly odd year for horror movies. Audiences and horror fans were completely divided on some of the most critically acclaimed films of the genre. Many of the best horror films went completely under the radar and remain obscure. Arguably the biggest horror release (Nosferatu) was a remake of a century-old film. Most others were just decent, fun, but slightly forgettable films. That somewhat applies to the Carrie-Anne Moss and Douglas Smith movie, Die Alone, but its grim world-building and nasty ending prevent it from being forgettable. That, and a wonderfully memorable performance from Frank Grillo.

While Grillo led his own fun horror movie in 2024 (Werewolves), he only appears for a bit in the final act of Die Alone, but it's a crucial scene and a brilliant little performance from an actor who is usually a much bigger part of things. His inclusion is a testament to the film's strong writing and unusual narrative,...

Sci-fi movies are renowned for their incredible world-building. It isn’t uncommon for them to rely on a strong premise and striking aesthetics while delivering endings that resolve the conflict in a less-than-impressive manner. However, the best Sci-Fi movies feature endings that are thoughtfully crafted and thought-provoking, rather than feeling tacked on.

Due to the genre's ability to engage our imagination, the finest Sci-Fi endings often leave us pondering long after the credits roll. These brilliant conclusions can be ambiguous in meaning, or the intricately designed universes are so compelling that audiences can't stop speculating about the countless interactions and events that might unfold beyond the main plot.

Related 10 Greatest Science Fiction Movie Directors Of All Time

Science Fiction has been popular on the screen since the 20th century and directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron are a big part of that.

The Matrix Defied the Limits of People's...

ScreenRant is proud to present the official trailer for Shudder's new film, Dark Match. The horror-thriller stars Aew Wrestler, Chris Jericho, and releases exclusively on the streaming service on Friday, January 31. Jericho also serves as an executive producer alongside Eleanor Wiebe. Ayisha Issa (Transplant), Steven Ogg (Westworld), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Michael Eklund (The Call), and Jonathan Cherry (Goon) make up the rest of the main cast.

The story centers around a small-time wrestling company that "accepts a well-paying gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader with devious plans for their match." It is written and directed by Lowell Dean, who has worked on projects such as 13 Eerie, Hi Opie!, and Wolfcop. Prior to Dark Match, Dean wrote and directed Carrie-Anne Moss and Frank Grillo's 2024 movie, Die Alone.

More About Horror-Thriller Dark Match...

Will Smith is set to appear in The Matrix franchise? (Photo Credit – Instagram/Facebook)

Will Smith has created waves on social media after posting a cryptic post about his potential appearance in The Matrix franchise. The actor was the first choice for the lead role of Neo in the original 1999 film; however, he passed on the opportunity to star in Wild Wild West. The role ultimately went to Keanu Reeves, who made the character memorable.

Ever since The Matrix has grown to be one of the most popular sci-fi franchises and is counted among classic films. Will Smith has now shared a video featuring a text message that teases his involvement in the film series.

Will Smith Shares Post About His Potential Role in The Matrix 5

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

Will Smith recently took to Instagram to post a video that features...

Will Smith famously turned down the chance to don the iconic trench coat and sunglasses of Neo in The Matrix. The sci-fi film went on to become a cinematic gem with never-seen-before actions, groundbreaking visuals, and mind-bending storytelling. When Smith turned down the role, it went to Keanu Reeves who gave an unforgettable portrayal.

Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Credits: NBC

In a cryptic Instagram post, Smith recently teased a what-if scenario where he would’ve agreed to the role. Fans couldn’t help but imagine Smith playing Neo in the film instead of Reeves. They were sure that if things went differently, The Matrix would’ve taken a different creative direction.

Why did Will Smith turn down the role of Neo in The Matrix? Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Keanu Reeves + Kung Fu is...

The Matrix hit theaters in 1999 and dazzled audiences with a leather-clad and gravity-defying Keanu Reeves, as he, along with Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne, fought against artificial agents of a programmed reality with their stylized kung-fu and black leather outfits. Aside from looking cool, they were also working to free humanity from the grips of a machine-controlled Matrix. The Wachowski Sisters introduced the now well-known red pill/blue pill metaphor for interpreting the world and asked viewers to consider the similarities of our own reality to that of a computer simulation.

The Fox Corporation-owned Tubi streaming service is gaining popularity. In 2024, the free ad-supported Tubi had 97 million monthly active viewers, who watched more than 10 billion hours of content, The Wrap reports. Tubi launched in 2014 and has been owned by Fox Corporation since 2020.

“Tubi’s momentum is growing as audiences increasingly value a premium entertainment experience that is also 100% free, fun, and reflective of culture,” said Tubi CEO Anjali Sud in a statement. “Our strategy is simple yet powerful: put viewers first by offering unique storytellers, a vast selection of content to choose from and a delightful experience across devices. We let our viewers guide us and obsess over the engagement, and we are seeing the results,” Sud said.

Related Carrie-Anne Moss & Frank Grillo's New Horror Thriller Will Stream for Free This Month

An overlooked zombie survival movie from 2024 that stars Frank Grillo and Carrie-Anne Moss is landing on a free streaming service this month.

A new report has poured cold water on the speculation that King Richard and Bad Boys: Ride or Die star Will Smith is involved with the next Matrix movie. The actor famously turned down the chance to play the lead character Neo in the original 1999 The Matrix film, with the role eventually going to Keanu Reeves.

Drew Goddard (The Martian) is attached to write and direct the Matrix franchise's fifth movie installment, and sources confirmed to Variety that Smith is not involved with the project. The rumor of the Academy Award-winning actor's involvement began on Monday after he posted a cryptic message on his Instagram recalling his rejection of the Neo role. Smith's post, which he writes in third person, reads, "In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in 'The Matrix.' Smith turned it down. He chose Wild Wild West, believing it was a better...

A feature film based on the acclaimed Sony PlayStation video game “Horizon Zero Dawn” is in “early stages” of development as a joint project between Columbia Pictures and PlayStation Productions.

Asad Qizilbash, the head of PlayStation Productions, announced the news as part of Sony’s presentation Monday night at CES 2025.

If you’re not a gamer but the project still sounds familiar, it’s because “Horizon Zero Dawn” was previously announced — back in 2022 — as a Netflix series developed by “The Umbrella Academy” showrunner Steve Blackman in partnership with Michelle Lovretta (“Killjoys”). At some point since then however, the show was quietly shelved.

No reason for the shift from TV series to feature film was given during Qizilbash’s announcement, but it’s notable that in June of 2024, Rolling Stone published an exposé in which Blackman was accused of bullying and other toxic behavior by staff members. Blackman has denied all accusations.

The Star Wars movies are home to some of the most powerful and remarkable cinematic characters. Franchise figures like the Jedi and Sith are like knights, monks, and wizards rolled into one. These character’s powers reverberate throughout Star Wars, shaping pivotal moments throughout the galaxy.

Monsters like Rancors or beskar-clad bounty hunters like Din Jarin and Bobba Fett give Star Wars’ Force-sensitive heroes and villains some competition and have overcome some Jedi and Sith in the franchise’s history. Still, Star Wars’ strongest characters, like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, can steamroll even the deadliest warriors and creatures in the galaxy far, far away.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on January 6, 2025: With the brand-new Disney+ series, Skeleton Crew, fresh on fans' minds, Star Wars is expanding its franchise in new and extremely exciting directions. As the franchise delves deeper into the days of both the Old and New Republic,...

Will Smith may be choosing between the red and blue pill, but the Oscar-winning actor isn’t entering the Matrix for a movie.

Warner Bros. previously announced a fifth “Matrix” installment with “The Martian” screenwriter Drew Goddard attached to write and direct, but knowledgable sources confirmed to Variety that Smith (at least at this point) isn’t involved in the film franchise.

Speculation started on Monday after Smith posted a cryptic message on Instagram, recalling his decision to pass on the starring role of Neo (which eventually went to Keanu Reeves) in Lana or Lilly Wachowski’s seminal 1999 sci-fi epic “The Matrix.”

“In 1997, the Wachowskis offered Will Smith the role of Neo in ‘The Matrix.’ Smith turned it down,” his Instagram video, written in third-person, reads. “He chose ‘Wild Wild West,’ believing it was a better fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would ‘The Matrix...

Once upon a time, in 1997 to be exact, Will Smith was offered the lead role in The Matrix, a game-changing sci-fi film that has influenced countless others in the genre. Keanu Reeves went on to portray the iconic character Neo in all four installments of the movie franchise from the Wachowskis. However, could The Matrix make its way back onto the big screen, this time starring Smith? Well, many fans think the actor is teasing just that in his latest social media post.

Smith went to Instagram to tease a Matrix collaboration by posting a video that reveals how he rejected the original 1999 film and asks what could have been. For better or worse, the cryptic tease is as secretive as it is confusing. It's unclear if the Bad Boys star intends to reveal that he is joining the long-standing franchise in a new film, or if another kind of...

Before Keanu Reeves landed the role of Neo in The Matrix, it was first offered to Will Smith. While Smith turned down the iconic role, it's now looking like he'll get his chance to star in a Matrix movie after all.

On Instagram, Smith shared a cryptic video that hints at his casting in a Matrix film. The video shows a message being typed that explains the story of Smith's near-casting in The Matrix, which he regrettably missed out on after choosing to star in the heavily-panned Wild Wild West instead. Hinting that fans will soon see what it would be like if Smith had accepted the part, the post concludes with a message that notes, "Wake up, Will..." Check it out below.

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After his rise to fame as one of the stars of Shaun of the Dead over two decades ago, Nick Frost has debuted an all-new horror comedy film. He is the writer of the new film Get Away, in which he also stars.

Get Away is set to make its debut on the streaming platform Shudder on Jan. 10, 2025. This follows the movie premiering at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, last fall. Penned by Frost, Get Away was directed by Steffen Haars. Other stars of the film include Aisling Bea, Sebastian Croft, and Maisie Ayres. The film follows a family on vacation on a remote Swedish island when they discover that there's a serial killer on the prowl, and the trailer can be watched below.

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Horror fans will be visiting Fear Street for some time to come. Ahead of Fear Street: Prom Queen, author R.L. Stine has shared how many more movies in the Netflix franchise are currently being developed.

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about Goosebumps Season 2, Stine revealed that three more Fear Street movies are currently being written. "The writers are working," the author shared. "So I’ve got my fingers crossed." Netflix's Fear Street franchise was originally supposed to consist of just the original three-part trilogy, which was released weekly in July 2021. However, a fourth movie, Prom Queen, was announced in November 2023.

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Horror fans will soon be able to stream an overlooked and underrated movie starring Frank Grillo (Creature Commandos) and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix). The 2024 sci-fi horror thriller Die Alone is coming to Tubi later this month.

Beginning Jan. 15, Die Alone will be available to stream on Tubi. The movie tells the story of Ethan (Douglas Smith), a young man with amnesia who joins forces with a hardened survivalist (Moss) during a zombie-like outbreak, as they set out on a dangerous journey to find his missing girlfriend, played by Kimberly-Sue Murray. Although Grillo was heavily featured in the marketing for Die Alone, he only makes a brief supporting appearance in the movie during a flashback scene.

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Following stand-out turns in Netflix's Squid Game and Disney+'s The Acolyte, South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae might be set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

According to scooper Mttsh, Jung-jae is in talks for an undisclosed MCU role.

We don't have any details on who he might be in line to play, but there's a chance it isn't any one specific hero or villain. Kevin Feige has been known to reach out to actors he's keen to work with without having a particular character in mind, and it's also possible that Jung-jae was given a choice of several different roles.

This isn't actually the first time the actor has been rumored for a Marvel part, as there was some talk of him being in negotiations to play Mr. Negative in Sony's Ssu last year.

The Acolyte proved to be one of Lucasfilm's more divisive Star Wars shows,...

Monica Barbaro's star has risen in the last few years with a major jump from TV to film with a breakthrough supporting role in Top Gun: Maverick. She also recently portrayed Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet. She hasn't shied away from TV entirely, however, and during a recent interview on Collider's Ladies Night, she talked about working with action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger on Fubar and contrasted his working style to Tom Cruise on Top Gun.

"Then, in a very different way, but also a really inspiring way, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays my father on this show that I'm on, and he's also an incredibly hard worker, but he has a very laid-back approach about a lot of things. He doesn't ask a lot of questions. He sort of tailors the information he needs. Sometimes I feel like I ask too much, I let too much in,...

Since the dawn of cinema, filmmakers have consistently impressed audiences with low-budget movies that earn instant acclaim, with horror, comedies, and thrillers leading the pack. Typically common at the start of a director's career, these modest budgets force creators to focus on story and characters, rather than relying too much on flash, effects, and action. For some movies, directors have even managed to ensure they looked excellent, delivering great practical effects despite low funding.

The ability of some directors to consistently show that less can be more never fails to impress, and audiences and critics alike can spot a good story, even when there isn't a big budget behind it. From independent movies to genre-defining works from established directors, not every movie needs an eye-watering budget to make an impression -- and some directors turned in some of their greatest work on slim budget restrictions.

Memento Is A Masterclass In...

It was another bustling, not to mention fruitful, year for horror. And because the amount of new horror releases is staggering, especially when looking beyond the popular and commercial side, it is very understandable if a lot of titles flew under radars.

So, like previous years, the objective of this end-of-year list is to bring attention to just ten of those overlooked, underrated, and less-known newer horrors that can be considered hidden gems of 2024.

Dead Teenagers

Pictured: Jordan Myers and Chris Hahn in Dead Teenagers.

Quinn Armstrong, who gave us the dark comedy Survival Skills, is behind the Fresh Hell Presents trilogy. This set of self-contained horrors began with the conversion therapy haunter The Exorcism of Saint Patrick, then tackled neo-Nazis and werewolves in Wolves Against the World. The final installment, Dead Teenagers, sounds the most conventional of the batch; young friends are picked off by a mysterious killer. Soon enough,...

26 years into his career, Christopher Nolan is charging along on one of the most remarkable creative and commercial runs the film industry has ever seen. Since he burst onto the scene with his breakthrough second feature "Memento" in 2001, all he's done is make one critically acclaimed box office hit after another. Considering the sizable budgets he's become accustomed to working with, it's a winning streak that any of our big-swing maestros can't match. Even Steven Spielberg experienced critical and/or commercial turbulence at this point in his career, with films like "1941," "Empire of the Sun," "Always," and "Hook." But aside from "Tenet" (which would've been a blockbuster had the Covid pandemic not kept the vast majority of moviegoers out of theaters over the summer of 2020), all of Nolan's films have doubled their production budgets at the global box office, and are currently rated fresh at Rotten Tomatoes.

How best...

There’s an old French saying, “cherchez la femme,” which literally translates to “look for the woman.” It's been used tirelessly in the film noir genre, indicating that most predicaments are likely caused by a woman — usually a femme fatale. Although the phrase has often been used in a misogynist manner, film noir women have evolved into evocative characters whom audiences root for and admire. Sure, they may still spell trouble for the male protagonist, but that’s half the fun.

With the broad scope of film noir women over the years, the best femme fatales go beyond the stereotypical villain trope. Many of them are clever, devious, and ambitious. Or, in some cases, they’re just outright dangerous through no fault of their own. Some rely on sex appeal, while others use their powers of coercion and deceit. No matter where their talents lie, the best femme fatales always...