In Hollywood, actors often face one another for pivotal parts in films that can make or break their careers. Such was the case with The Matrix, the first film in a blockbuster series originally offered to Johnny Depp, with Will Smith also in consideration. But in the end, Keanu Reeves was cast in the part and went on to achieve stardom in Hollywood.
Keanu Reeves Sets the Bar
Keanu Reeves
The Matrix is a series of science fiction action films developed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. The franchise takes place in a dystopian future where people are kept in virtual captivity by intelligent machines who use their bodies as a source of energy. Neo, the main protagonist, is a programmer who learns the truth about the universe and joins a rebellion to liberate mankind from the machines.
The Matrix, the first film in the series, was released in 1999 and quickly became a smashing financial success, earning $467.2 million around the globe. Its innovative visual effects, thrilling combat scenes, and thought-provoking themes won the film widespread acclaim.
Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
In 2003 and 2021, fans got The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, respectively, which continued Neo’s tale and the uprising against the machines. The franchise has earned acclaim for its ground-breaking visual effects, action scenes, and thought-provoking themes.
Keanu Reeves, who had been having trouble breaking into Hollywood following the Bill and Ted films, saw a resurgence of his career thanks to the popularity of The Matrix.
Matrix: How It Was Cast
The Wachowskis
Numerous A-list actors were considered for the part of Neo in The Matrix. Sources claim that Johnny Depp was the Wachowskis’ first choice for the lead part, but Depp ultimately declined the offer. Warner Bros. considered casting Brad Pitt and Val Kilmer, but the two actors rejected the offer as well. Will Smith was also thought for the part, but he declined to appear in Wild Wild Westinstead.
On a Reddit MMA, Reeves reveals he “was very lucky” to get the part. He claimed that “the Wachowkis wanted to meet” after receiving word from his agent.
“I was very lucky. Heh. Um, I got a call from my agent, saying that these directors, the Wachowskis, wanted to meet, and they sent me the script…”
Keanu Reeves was sent the screenplay, which he thought was “absolutely amazing.” They showed him “some artwork of their vision and an early version of “bullet time,”which piqued his interest and motivated him to work toward their goal.
“…and the script was absolutely amazing, and I went in to meet with them, and they showed me some artwork, of their vision, and an early version of “bullet time,” and it was very exciting and inspiring, and we looked at each other, we ended up hanging out in a parking lot outside the offices just talking and riffing, and we basically just kinda shook hands – they told me they wanted me to train for 4 months prior to filming, and I got a big grin on my face and said: ‘Yes.’”
Keanu Reeves gave his all to his portrayal of Neo once he landed the character. He did many of his maneuvers in the film after four months of training. This entailed much wire work and hand-to-hand fighting, both of which Reeves performed. His commitment to playing Neo was rewarded, as his portrayal was hailed by reviewers and viewers alike.
It’s been nearly two months since Jamie Foxx’s family revealed that the Oscar-winning actor had been hospitalized due to a “medical complication” suffered on the set of his upcoming Netflix movie Back in Action, co-starring Cameron Diaz. Providing the most recent update on his health, his eldest daughter Corinne Foxx, had taken to social media to address the situation, saying her father was doing well and even engaging in activities like playing pickleball. Although in a new exclusive report, an insider claims the actor is currently undergoing intense physiotherapy to aid his recovery and regain his mobility.
While the true extent of the Soul star’s health condition remains shrouded in mystery, allegedly the 55-year-old actor has been facing mobility struggles since the incident on April 11 while filming in Atlanta. An insider told RadarOnline that Jamie is receiving treatment at one of the top physical rehabilitation centers specializing in stroke, brain, and spinal cord injuries. The insider told the publication:
“Jamie is receiving treatment at one of the top physical rehabilitation centers in the country. The clinic specializes in physical therapy programs to treat injuries or a physical condition that limits or prohibits the ability to walk or walk correctly. They teach people how to walk again at this particular clinic”.
In a post shared on Instagram in May, Corinne addressed the media coverage surrounding her father’s condition. She had shared a post from RapTV, which has since been deleted, claiming that the actor’s loved ones were “preparing for the worst.” However, she said these claims were erroneous and clarified that her dad had been out of the hospital for “weeks” and was recuperating. Now the unnamed source told RadarOnline that the actor’s condition is a bit more serious, continuing:
“Jamie would not be at this clinic if he was not impaired in some way as a result of whatever happened to him. But fans should rest assured: Jamie is in the best of care at this type of clinic”.
Foxx and his family have chosen to remain relatively silent about the nature of his recent health complications while appreciating the outpouring of love and support from fans and friends. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 actor briefly addressed the situation on social media on May 3, expressing his gratitude for the love he received.
Following the Django Unchained performer’s hospitalization, reports revealed that two of his ongoing projects, namely Back In Action and Beat Shazam, have resumed production in his absence. Back In Action is an action comedy for Netflix, while Beat Shazam is a game show where the Collateral star serves as the host alongside his daughter, Corinne Foxx, who acts as the show’s DJ. With Jamie’s blessing, Nick Cannon has taken over hosting duties for the game show.
We will likely hear from Jamie Foxx soon, with numerous exciting flicks set to hit the 2023 movie release schedule. Among his many upcoming projects, the Ray star is set to star in various action films, including God Is A Bullet alongside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Maika Monroe, as well as Tin Soldier featuring Robert De Niro and Scott Eastwood, both slated for release this summer. Furthermore, he will be seen in the Netflix comedy They Cloned Tyrone alongside John Boyega, and he has also lent his voice to the R-rated talking-dog comedy Strays.
Jamie Foxx’s return to the screen is highly anticipated. Whether he’s enjoying a game of pickleball or continuing his rehabilitation, we hope the actor continues to prioritize his recovery. Given his ability to captivate viewers with his talent, and versatility, a successful recovery will assure audiences they can look forward to experiencing his exceptional performances for many years to come. Having so many upcoming 2023 roles, it’s great news to hear his recovery is in good hands following his recent health scare.
Cannon took over for Foxx as a guest host of the musical game show "Beat Shazam" after the 55-year-old was hospitalized in April. (Getty)
Nick Cannon said he believes Jamie Foxx will update fans on the health scare that sent him to the hospital in April “when he’s ready.”
“One thing I’ve always respected about how Jamie’s moved throughout his entire career, if you’ve noticed, he’s always been somebody who is extremely professional and extremely private,” Cannon told “Extra’s” Billy Bush.
“I mean, you don’t ever really hear anything other than just the great work that he puts forth as a professional and the fact that, you know, he’s handled this situation with the same manner, you only can respect that,” said Cannon.
He went on to add, “I believe when he’s ready, he’s going to address the awaiting fans in the world [about his health scare] the way that only he can.”
During the interview, Bush asked Cannon about reports that Foxx suffered a stroke and if he could give an update on his condition. Foxx’s family has not disclosed his medical condition.
“I’m probably in the same boat as you in that same sense of just knowing that, you know, as a friend, just being as respectful as I can, I don’t pry,” Cannon answered. “I don’t ask any other questions. And other than the information that’s given to me and, you know, what’s asked of me.”
He said the information that his family has put out “is the information that they want to be out there.”
“I was definitely one of those people initially with like the heavy-handed prayers… sending positive energy, love, and prayers,” he added. “And they were like, ‘Yo, we appreciate all of that, but we got it.’ And, you know, Jamie’s happy with the job that I did on ‘Beat Shazam.’”
Cannon took over for Foxx as guest host of the musical game show “Beat Shazam” after the 55-year-old was hospitalized in April. Kelly Osbourne took over as deejay for Foxx’s daughter Corinne.
Foxx broke his silence at the end of April, writing on Instagram, “Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed.”
In mid-May, his daughter Corinne Foxx gave an update on Foxx’s condition, writing on her Instagram story at the time that her father has been “out of the hospital for weeks” and is “recuperating” – and even playing pickleball.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Corinne shared on April 12 that her father experienced a “medical complication” the day before, and “quick action and great care” helped guide him toward recovery last month.
Amongst the many friends Jamie Foxx has in the entertainment industry, Nick Cannon is one of his closest ones. During this difficult health scare situation the actor has gone through, Cannon has made a public statement during an interview with the folks from Extra TV. He wanted to send a calming message to all fans who want to know what exactly happened to Jamie. Many different versions of what happened have emerged, some of them are quite conspiratorial, to say the least. But dropping information or statements from any source is hardly responsible, especially if these people who make such statements have an agenda.
Last Thursday, sme news of Jamie Foxx going blind due to taking the COVID-19 vaccine started circulating online but it came from a known anti-vaxxer. Until we get information from Jamie Foxx himself, there is no reason to post misleading information that will only get people even more worried than they already are. Nick Cannon wanted to send these people who worry a message and also to those who try to push their narrative by using this unfortunate event. As we expected, Cannon asked for patience and for better judgement when we are trying to find out what happened to Jamie. This is great advice from someone who actually has contact with the actor and his family.
Nick Cannon says Jamie Foxx remains private about health, will speak ‘when he’s ready’https://t.co/dUZpliZNwg
Cannon said: “One thing I’ve always respected about how Jamie’s moved throughout his entire career, if you’ve noticed, he’s always been somebody who is extremely professional and extremely private. I mean, you don’t ever really hear anything other than just the great work that he puts forth as a professional and the fact that, you know, he’s handled this situation with the same manner, you only can respect that.
“I believe when he’s ready, he’s going to address the awaiting fans in the world [about his health scare] the way that only he can. I’m probably in the same boat as you in that same sense of just knowing that, you know, as a friend, just being as respectful as I can, I don’t pry. I don’t ask any other questions. And other than the information that’s given to me and, you know, what’s asked of me.“