Will Smith regrets turning down the trailblazing film 'The Matrix'

Ace actor Will Smith says he regrets turning down a role in the groundbreaking film 'The Matrix'. The actor is all set to play a younger version of himself who is out to kill his older self and take his place in the upcoming film 'Gemini Man'. 

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A career-defining movie

The actor was offered the role of Neo (eventually played by Keanu Reeves) in the 1999 sci-fi film. Smith instead opted for 'Wild Wild West,' which became one of the biggest flops of his career. The film 'The Matrix' on the other hand redefined Reeves' career, winning numerous awards and inspiring a hit franchise, with a fourth installment currently in development.

"I'd go back to the Wild Wild West [set] and I would say, '... why didn't you do The Matrix?" Smith joked about the matter.

Smith's upcoming movie directed by Ang Lee, opens in the UK and Australia Oct. 10 and in the US on Oct. 11. The film has Will Smith’s assassin, Henry Brogan, who is pursued by a younger clone of himself. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong play supporting roles.

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Keanu Reeves on Matrix 4

Keanu Reeves has claimed that the script of Matrix 4 is 'very ambitious'. Reeves's co-star Carrie-Ann Moss is reprising her role as Trinity. Matrix's three movies were huge hits, the first winning four Oscars. The Matrix franchise comprises films about a dystopian future, wherein artificial beings have taken over humanity. There were three parts - the Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions.

In the series, humans are trapped under a simulated reality and are being used as an energy source by artificial beings. Reeves's other movies such as 'John Wick' have also performed highly at the box office. Recently, he has emerged as something of a pop culture phenomenon.

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(With Inputs from ANI)