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Millie Bobby Brown is turning heads and sparking playful interest from her followers.

Damsel is one of Netflix’s best original films, ever. And fans are always on the lookout for more Mbb projects.

At the moment, these same fans are more excited about what she’s teasing on social media.

Combining The Matrix aesthetics with bikini selfies, Mbb is invoking Star Wars and having the time of her life.

Millie Bobby Brown speaks onstage during Netflix’s The Electric State panel during New York Comic Con 2024 at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 17, 2024. (Photo Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPop) What is Millie Bobby Brown up to?

In a new Instagram post, Millie Bobby Brown is showing off how much fun she and husband Jake Bongiovi are having.

It looks like the 20-year-old actress enjoyed a beach trip.

She captioned the photos: “In a galaxy far,...

After a near three-year wait, the second season of Severance premiered last week on Apple TV+, and - as we fully expected it would - the episode raised more questions than it answered following that intense season 1 finale.

“Hello Ms. Cobel” also featured a surprise cameo from Constantine, The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves, which not everyone spotted.

If you haven't watched the premiere yet, spoilers follow.

At one point, Mark S and his colleagues are sat down and told to watch a "Lumon is Listening" video, which shows the Lumon building coming to life in animated form to reassure our protagonists that their happiness is of paramount importance.

A lot of viewers thought the building's voice sounded familiar, and series creator Dan Erickson has now confirmed that it was indeed the one and only Keanu Reeves.

“All I can say is that we talked about a couple...

The second season premiere of the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller "Severance" offered plenty of things for its dedicated fans to obsess over. Did Lumon really celebrate the core four members of the Macrodata Refinement unit for attempting to rebel against their masters and tell the truth of the world of the innies? What exactly happened in the outside world when people found out about what it means to be severed? All of these questions feed into the various fan theories people have about "Severance" and what its intense mythology all means. Are the innies unknowingly working on a way to transfer human consciousness from one body to another? Maybe the goats seen in the first season are being bred to take over as humans in the outside world. And so on. But one specific theory -- that the innies are cogs in some grand simulation, one that may impact both...

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...

Shadow (Keanu Reeves) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc. © 2024 Par. Pics & Sega At first, the pairing of Keanu Reeves and the Sonic the Hedgehog film series might seem to be an odd one. After all, he’s much better known for his action films, like the John Wick and The Matrix film franchises. But recently, Reeves has also done some voice work on other animated films, like 2019’s Toy Story 4 and 2022’s The DC League of Super Pets. So, when the Sonic producers sought him out as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog, Reeves was receptive to their offer. And, when we spoke to Reeves about Sonic, he said he’s really impressed with the quality of the work that’s gone into the three films. (Click on the media bar below to hear Keanu Reeves.) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads...

The Matrix 5 has been confirmed, but very few details about the film's plot have been revealed yet. It's unclear whether a story has been written, or even if an idea exists, but the project will surely be another inventive and subversive take on the franchise in the same vein as The Matrix: Resurrections. While this is exciting news, it will also be difficult for this sequel to live up to the heights of the movies that came before it. After everything that went wrong with The Matrix: Resurrections, the next film has lots of work to do.

Whether The Matrix 5 opts to be another sequel, a new prequel, or even a spinoff, it can't veer too far away from the existing formula if it wants to appease returning fans of the franchise. This is one mistake that the fourth installment made, trying so hard to be different and fresh that...

The Lord of the Rings franchise will be returning with new films in the near future, but Elrond star Hugo Weaving won't be partaking. 2024 was an exciting year for Tolkien fans, with a new season of Prime Video's The Rings of Power and an animated film, War of the Rohirrim. However, the biggest and most unexpected announcement was that members of the original cast would be returning for a feature film centered around Gollum. The Hunt for Gollum is set to be released in 2026, with Andy Serkis directing and starring and Peter Jackson producing.

The return of Andy Serkis as Gollum implies that, unlike The Rings of Power, these new movies will be directly connected to the previous Lord of the Rings movies, especially in the era of shared universes. Ian McKellen is set to reprise his role as Gandalf, and questions have begun swirling around Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn,...

Will Smith could have been The Matrix's star. Smith is a renowned Hollywood star, having become a dominant star through his show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Initially, Smith was viewed as a comic, constrained to comedy alone. Quickly, however, he proved that he also had the potential to be an action star. He wet his feet with the action-comedy Bad Boys (1995), then appeared in the full-scale action feature, Independence Day (1996). He even appeared in Men in Black (1997) as a leading man. There was one sci-fi action movie, however, that he turned down: The Matrix (1999).

Rather than appear as Neo in The Matrix, Smith let the role go to Keanu Reeves. He turned his attention to Wild Wild West (1999), a Western that failed to earn a profit at the box office. 26 years after the movie's release, YouTuber Kh Studio put together a trailer that imagines what Smith might have...

Even some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have some regrets about roles that they turned down over the years.

Stars have to make a tough choice every time a job offer comes in. They need to field a list of potential projects and decide which one seems the most promising and interesting to them. In the process, they might end up missing out on a chance to star in a project that becomes a serious blockbuster.

We previously rounded up 12 actors who nearly passed on what would become their most iconic roles. However, there are even more actors who did say “no thanks” to appearing in solid-gold hits.

For instance, someone turned down a role and wound up losing a $250 million payday! A pop icon had some regrets about passing on a chance to play Catwoman. One actress was even offered a chance to play Neo, a male role, in The Matrix!

The Matrix green code that falls like rain throughout the film was inspired by a most unusual source. While some science fiction movies take too much time with exposition, the first The Matrix does an excellent job of dropping audiences into its unique and mind-bending world, providing just enough context clues for viewers to latch onto and find connections between them as the film goes on. From the nature of the machines in The Matrix to the falling green code that appears throughout the film, not everything is immediately explained in The Matrix.

That falling green code is an example of one of the many things about The Matrix that has aged well. The film's style is so unique and bold that even the sequels felt like they were copying the original. From the knee-length black trenchcoats to the sunglasses to the pills Neo (Keanu Reeves) takes to the green code,...

The A-List includes the best of the best actors in Hollywood, but that doesn't always mean the movies that book these top tier actors use them to the best of their abilities. While Hollywood is constantly churning out movies, and these can range in quality drastically, most blockbuster films from the big studios have a budget that allows them to book the most notable talent in the industry. As actors prove their worth in Hollywood, their prices go way up, and that means they take up a chunk of the budget.

However, while these actors may be able to claim a bigger paycheck from a large studio film, it's not always the case that the movies actually use them properly. Whether the character development was poor, the vision too small, or the people behind the camera simply failed to coax the actors' talents out, some movies with the biggest names...

Severance season 2 has finally arrived, and there are many reasons to celebrate. First and foremost, the Emmy-nominated show is back with new episodes on Apple TV+ after close to three years away. And of course, we're also getting answers to some of the show's biggest questions... while also asking even more questions about the various mysteries at Lumon.

Speaking of mysteries at Lumon Industries, the Severance season 2 premiere kept quite a massive secret from fans. The episode featured a cameo from an A-list movie star, but you might have missed his appearance. Did you happen to notice Keanu Reeves in the season 2 premiere? No? Well, neither did I! But The Matrix and John Wick star voiced the animated Lumon building.

In the episode, Milchick shows Mark, Helly, Dylan, and Irving an animated video featuring claymation versions of themselves explaining the Macrodat Uprising and the "reforms" Lumon will be making to...

In the age of streaming, there’s a widespread belief that every movie is available, all the time, everywhere. Don’t fall for it! Some of the greatest movies ever made are nowhere to be found due to everything from music rights snafus to corporate negligence. In this column, we take a look at films currently out-of-print on physical media and unavailable on any streaming platform in an effort to draw attention to them and say to their rights holders, “Release This!”

At the end of 1999, Entertainment Weekly ran a cover story titled “The Year That Changed Movies,” celebrating the abundance of highwire masterpieces that the American film industry seemed to be cranking out on a weekly basis that year. “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Magnolia,” “The Limey,” “Fight Club,” “Being John Malkovich,” “Election,” “Boys Don’t Cry”, “The Straight Story,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Bringing Out the Dead,” “The Matrix,” and “Three Kings” are just a random sampling,...

Having been in the spotlight for several decades, Keanu Reeves has become one of the most admired actors in the industry, and two of his biggest franchises almost went head-to-head in 2021. Among his many exciting projects over the years, Reeves has become synonymous with two major action franchises which were both originally set to have sequels in the same year, and the results were completely one-sided. Long before Reeves voiced Sonic 3's Shadow the Hedgehog, the actor turned several films into big hits, but it was his work in The Matrix and John Wick that really stood out.

Both have become massive franchises - largely thanks to Reeves' performances - and have easily provided his more recognizable roles. The two series are full of personality and have fun concepts that have kept audiences returning for years to come. In addition, both Neo and John Wick are among Keanu Reeves' best-ever characters,...

2003’s overlooked animated anthology movie The Animatrix only added to the legend of Carrie-Anne Moss’ character Trinity established by the live-action Matrix films. Written and produced by The Wachowskis for online release immediately after The Matrix Reloaded and before The Matrix Revolutions, The Animatrix features nine non-chronological animated shorts directed by some of the franchise creators’ favorite anime filmmakers.

Two of the shorts, in particular, focus on Trinity’s backstory, making her even cooler than when she appeared on the big screen in the original live-action Matrix trilogy. “A Detective Story” serves up the kind of coded messages and escapology the feature films lead you to expect from Trinity. Her minor role in “Kid’s Story”, meanwhile, portrays her hero status almost on a par with Neo.

The Animatrix’s “A Detective Story” Shows How Big Of A Threat Trinity Was To The Machines She Was Impossible To Catch And...

The first episode of "Severance" season 2 had the unenviable task of following the show's spectacular season 1 finale, and instead of instantly providing answers, it immerses viewers back into some of the key mysteries established in season 1. The whole episode takes place within the Lumon office, with no glimpses at the outside world or what the characters there may be getting up to. The only clues we get are through exposition given to Mark S. (Adam Scott) and the rest of the gang, who are told that their temporary escape at the end of season 1 made them famous and has led to major reforms in working conditions for severed employees.

The events of the season 1 finale are recapped in an animated corporate instructional video, which is shown to the Macrodata Refinement (or Mdr) team after they all return to the office. Anyone who's seen "The Matrix" or "John Wick" likely perked...

Keanu Reeves has been one of Hollywood's biggest stars for decades now, with his filmography including incredible action movies, some of which changed the game forever. From his unforgettable role as Neo in The Matrix to his legendary run in the John Wick franchise, Reeves has delivered performances that redefined the action genre. Keanu Reeves is known for being incredibly dedicated to his roles, and it is no different for his action-orientated characters.

Ranking Reeves’ best action movies is thus no easy feat, as his repertoire boasts a lineup that any star would envy. From high-risk stunts to perfectly timed headshots, his performances are the stuff of legend, making it no surprise that a couple of his action titles are considered to be some of the best movies of all time. Whether his characters are excelling in martial arts, riding motorcycles, or dropping great lines, Reeves’ career is a masterclass...

David Zaslav’s reputation in showbiz has been pretty tumultuous, to say the least. From announcing layoffs at TCM and kickstarting the trend of removing movies and shows from streaming platforms to canning finished movies like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme, Zaslav hasn’t exactly been the idea head.

David Zaslav at the Dealbook Summit | Credit: The NY Times/YouTube

While WB is gearing for an auteur-driven 2025, which includes works from PTA, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Bong Joon Ho, on the flip side, WB is reportedly bringing back two classic IPs that might risk ruining their legacy.

We don’t need sequels to beloved ’80s classics The Goonies | Credit: Warner Bros.

After milking the superhero glitch in the blockbuster landscape, in recent years, mainstream Hollywood has been attempting to find its next big cash cow, and legacy sequels seem to be right up their alley. Although certain legacy sequels, including WB’s Beetlejuice 2,...

From the messianic Neo to the nefarious Agent Smith, the Wachowskis created some of the most iconic characters ever to grace the silver screen for The Matrix franchise. The Matrix has become a staple of science fiction; terms like “The One” and “red pill” have entered the pop culture lexicon. It’s both a thought-provoking meditation on human existence and artificial intelligence, and a poignant religious allegory about a “chosen one” figure with impostor syndrome. As with any classic movie, part of what makes The Matrix so timeless is that its characters are so compelling and three-dimensional.

Not every character in The Matrix franchise is well-written and well-developed. Characters like the Keymaker and the Trainman exist purely to facilitate the plot. The Architect speaks exclusively in nonsensical hypotheticals and sounds like he carries around a thesaurus. But most of the characters in this ensemble are fascinating figures played by great actors,...

It sounds like we might get to hang out with the Gremlins again soon in a new movie. You remember the rules, right?

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is interested in creating a new movie in the Gremlins universe with Christopher Columbus, who penned the screenplay for the original 1984 film directed by Joe Dante. A beloved cult classic franchise, it has always been a little surprising that Warner Bros. didn't produce more Gremlins movies after the 1990 sequel The New Batch.

But the production company has shown interest in more Gremlins content, see the animated series on Max that has two seasons, the more recent of which started streaming in October.

Conversations regarding a third live-action Gremlins film started as early as 2013, but they never came to fruition. However, rumors have been swirling for a while now that Warner Bros. wanted to bring back the franchise, likely due to the animated series being relatively well-received.

The 1990s produced plenty of brilliant sci-fi hits, with a mix of comedies, spectacular blockbusters and all-out action classics. Many of the best sci-fi movies of the 1990s have set the standard for the genre moving into the 21st century, and they have also established wider trends in the movie industry, since sci-fi blockbusters often dominated box office rankings. Modern sci-fi blockbusters started to take shape in the '90s.

While the '90s were a great decade for sci-fi movies overall, some years were better than others. 1999 produced The Matrix, The Iron Giant and Galaxy Quest, for example, as well as the rebirth of the Star Wars franchise. By contrast, 1992 didn't deliver many sci-fi movies that have withstood the test of time. Breaking down sci-fi year-by-year presents an interesting snapshot of how the genre developed in the 1990s.

1990 - Total Recall Paul Verhoeven's Cerebral Thriller Has Aged Well...

‘Gremlins’ is one of the most iconic comedy-horror movies of all time. Directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus, the movie combined dark humor with a holiday setting.

It was a big hit when it was released in 1984, despite criticism for its violent scenes. This led to the creation of the PG-13 movie rating. The success of ‘Gremlins’ also inspired a sequel, ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch,’ released in 1990.

Now the franchise is set to expand once again as Deadline reports that ‘Gremlins’ movie is in development. The project appears to be part of Warner Bros.’ push to revive beloved franchises, similar to their strategies with ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Matrix,’ and ‘The Goonies.’

Details about the new ‘Gremlins’ film—whether it’s a sequel, reboot, or prequel—remain sparse. However, its inclusion signals Warner Bros.’ intent to capitalize on nostalgia-driven franchises alongside their auteur-led slate.

Christopher Columbus...

Putting a dystopian future on the big screen was nothing new in the early 2000s, especially when set in the realm of science-fiction. But making it work also within the action genre is a monumental ask. Really, how often did an all-out action flick want to make its viewers think…especially when the plot revolves around thinking be illegal.

But Kurt Wimmer gave it a go with Equilibrium, which wondered what the world might look like under a totalitarian rule…if there was a lot of gunplay involved. Brushed aside by the studio, critics and moviegoers, Equilibrium has gone on to become a minor cult favorite (including here on JoBlo), something Wimmer could have never seen coming…Just don’t go comparing it to The Matrix in front of him…

So, take off your thinking cap and load up your pistols as we find out: Wtf Happened to This Movie?...

Brad Pitt’s career is like an open invitation to a star-studded dinner party where every seat is filled with iconic roles, juicy scripts, and unforgettable performances. One minute, he’s the charming, smooth-talking con artist in Ocean’s Eleven, the next, he’s the tortured soul with an existential crisis in Fight Club, and in Troy, he’s not just conquering the Colosseum, but stealing hearts like a true Hollywood gladiator.

He has dipped his toes into every genre, from heart-pounding thrillers to intimate dramas, and made each role feel like a tailor-made suit.

Brad Pitt in a still from Bullet Train | image: Sony Pictures

Even the brightest stars, it seems, need to take a pause now and then, casting a reflective gaze upon the roads they didn’t take. In fact, Pitt’s career is also laced with “What If?” moments—those iconic roles he could’ve had but walked away from.

I am beginning to think that anything is possible in 2025. On Jan. 6, Will Smith shook the internet by posting a very cryptic post that fans are still hard at work trying to decipher. Is it another cool ad thing or is there more to this story than meets the eye?

More importantly, do fans even want a Matrix with Will Smith in it? We’re going to explore all this below.

Will Smith – Teases Fans With A ‘The Matrix’ Comeback

On Jan. 6, Will Smith rocked the ‘The Matrix’ fandom when he shared a short video that promptly announced his arrival in the Matrix.

And for all clarifications, yes, we do mean Keanu Reeves’ ‘The Matrix’ that’s been the stuff of legends since it dropped decades ago.

In the short clip, words appear on the screen in a Matrix-like orange font. It reads: “In the 1990s, the Wachowskis offered...

In a major move set to electrify action film aficionados, Shout! Studios has nabbed worldwide rights (excluding select Asian territories) to the coveted Golden Princess movie library, a treasure trove of 156 Hong Kong cinema classics that’s been Mia from Western markets for decades.

The deal, which brings together Hollywood’s indie powerhouse with one of Hong Kong cinema’s most prestigious catalogs, includes genre-defining works from directing legends John Woo and Tsui Hark, alongside star-studded vehicles featuring Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Leslie Cheung.

The acquisition’s crown jewels include Woo’s action masterpieces “Hard Boiled,” “The Killer,” the complete “Better Tomorrow” trilogy, “Bullet in the Head” and “Once a Thief.” The library also boasts Ringo Lam’s “City on Fire,” “Prison on Fire” and its sequel; Eric Tsang’s “Aces Go Places”; Tsui’s “Peking Opera Blues”; Tony Ching’s “Chinese Ghost Story” trilogy; and additional hits...

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is up there in popculture royalty, with many a nerd able to quote even the most obscure lines from the epically long films, and actor Hugo Weaving is a big part of that. Many know him as the face of The Matrix’s Agent Smith, as well as the stoic and stern elf Elrond, but even the biggest fan would have missed this little-known fact about the actor.

Hugo Weaving and His Surprising Role

Hugo Weaving’s Elrond appears in five of the six films in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit franchises, and the character is a huge part of the story we’ve all come to know and love over the years. That said, beyond Elrond, many won’t know that Hugo Weaving played another role in the franchise, and it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment.

In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring...

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.

Did Keanu Reeves endanger a crew member in John Wick 4? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Keanu Reeves, who’s basically Hollywood’s nicest guy, found himself in a major on-set accident, all while shooting one of the wildest action movies ever.

The film, packed with insane car chases, nunchucks, and just about every type of action you could imagine, took a physical toll on everyone involved. But Reeves kept his cool, despite the chaos. “Everyone is pretty tired—but it’s the best kind of tired,” Keanu said. “It’s like you climbed a mountain now you’re resting.” Sure, Keanu, but let’s get back to that head-cutting bit.

Reeves confessed, “I made a mistake once—I cut a gentleman’s head open.” No big deal, right? Yikes. But that wasn’t the only mishap. One poor soul actually got hit by a car. “He was in the car, so...

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix ( Photo Credit – Flickr )

Hold up, Keanu Reeves has just dethroned everyone else in Hollywood. We’re talking about the actor who’s raked in more money from a single franchise than anyone in history. No, not Tom Cruise. Not Will Smith. Keanu. The Matrix franchise has stacked those zeros for him, coming in at a jaw-dropping $156M.

So, how did Keanu level up in the earnings game? It all started with The Matrix (1999). The flick flipped the sci-fi world upside down, with Keanu playing Neo. With a modest $63M budget, the movie blew up with a massive $467.2M at the box office. But it wasn’t just the revolutionary special effects or mind-bending plot that made waves—it was Keanu’s paycheck.

While Cruise, Robert Downey Jr., Bruce Willis, and Will Smith pulled in about $100 million from their respective franchises, Keanu cruised in a whole other lane,...

Tom Hanks almost replaced Keanu Reeves in Speed? (Photo Credit – Instagram/Wikipedia)

Back in the early ’90s, Tom Hanks was in talks to play Jack Traven in Jan de Bont’s iconic action-thriller Speed, instead of the iconic Keanu Reeves.

Hanks passed on the project, though the reason remains unclear. His career choices show a preference for depth-driven films like Saving Private Ryan and Road to Perdition. Speed’s action-packed thrills likely didn’t fit his narrative-focused style.

But Hanks wasn’t the only megastar to sidestep the role. Tom Cruise also turned it down before Reeves snagged the part. At the time, Reeves had gained some buzz from Point Break and Bill & Ted, but Speed catapulted him into Hollywood’s action elite. By the time The Matrix rolled around, Reeves was untouchable in the genre—and Speed was a big reason why.

Trending When Samuel L. Jackson Accidentally...

The Matrix is one of the most popular and widely beloved sci-fi properties of all time, but even the most dedicated of fans can admit that it has its fair share of plot holes. As the sequels continued to expand this universe from the rich, self-contained narrative of the Wachowskis’ original film, the inconsistencies more and more evident. While none of these plot holes actually ruin The Matrix, there’s no denying that they’re hard to overcome. While there were only three Matrix movies for almost 20 years, the franchise returned with Resurrections and will now continue with the upcoming Matrix 5

Although The Matrix Resurrections was panned by critics, Matrix already had a complicated history with sequels. Neither Reloaded nor Revolutions were as well-received as the original film, with both sequels having way more problems than the first installments. By expanding the franchise's lore, the Matrix sequels took some big risks,...

Will Smith shockingly passed on the leading role in The Matrix, which completely changed both the franchise and his career. Smith was offered the role of Neo in The Matrix before Keanu Reeves. By that point in his career, some of Will Smith's best movies, such as Bad Boys, Independence Day, and Men in Black, had already been released. Therefore, he had already established himself as a movie star. Additionally, Smith had proven that he had an interest in the science fiction genre, which would have made him a perfect leading man for The Matrix movies.

The story of the first Matrix movie follows Neo, who discovers that humanity is trapped inside the Matrix, a simulated reality that was created by intelligent machines. Lily and Lana Wachowski, the writers and directors of the first Matrix movie, offered the role of Neo to Smith. Smith accepting the role of Neo would have completely changed his career,...

Remember the first time you watched The Matrix? The mind-bending reality, the intense action sequences, and most notably, that hypnotic cascade of green characters running vertically across a pitch-black screen. To most fans, this iconic imagery is ingrained in the mind like an old friend.

The Matrix code—arguably one of the most iconic visual elements in cinematic history—has left audiences mesmerized, and it’s something that has remained imprinted in the collective pop culture consciousness since the film’s release in 1999. The constant green rain of characters wasn’t just a visual effect; it became symbolic of the deep, often unfathomable reality in the world the film created.

Keanu Reeves as Neo | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

And yet, when you dig a little deeper into the origins of that hypnotic code, it’s hard to believe what you’re about to hear. That very same code—the one...

The ending of 2010's post-apocalyptic action movie The Book of Eli is steeped in deeper meaning and features a shocking twist. The Book of Eli follows Denzel Washington as the titular Eli, a rugged survivor traversing a post-apocalyptic wasteland in possession of a mysterious book that it's quickly apparent many are willing to kill for. Though the average critical response was negative, some praised The Book of Eli's gripping plot and exciting twist on the post-apocalyptic genre.

Even among a wealth of other films tackling the same subject, The Book of Eli manages to world-build in a way that is constantly compelling, and the movie grossed over $150 million (via Box Office Mojo). The Book of Eli surprises viewers with a bounty of twists while never turning its back on the strong use of symbolism that carries throughout the plot. This heavy thematic depth also means theBook of Eli ending leaves plenty to unpack,...

While many of the biggest action movie stars working today consistently appear in straight-up carnage-filled blockbusters, lots of these performers have also tried their hands at other genres. Some of the most exciting heroes and heroines in Hollywood have also taken to sci-fi and horror, as these types of movies allow them to explore deeper themes with strong characterization and narrative intrigue. This variety in their filmography makes these stars infinitely more interesting as viewers get to see them deliver performances that go deeper than a hero who simply saves the day.

Many of the biggest action stars of the 1980s had incredibly diverse resumes, as films during that period and beyond often blended action with sci-fi and horror. While some action stars are intrinsically linked to other genres, as actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger became inseparable from movies like The Terminator, even these performers have branched out and surprised viewers with their later parts.

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...

Starring in a martial arts movie is tough enough, but working behind the scenes as well makes the challenge even more daunting and demanding, and Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow knows exactly how that feels.

Stephen Chow in Kung Fu Hustle / Credits: Columbia Pictures

There’s something impressive about movie projects where the director is also the lead star, and Chow proved this is possible when he helmed 2004’s Kung Fu Hustle, a film he also co-wrote and produced. The filmmaker admitted it wasn’t an easy job, and there were times he felt lost and needed someone to remind him of his mistakes.

Stephen Chow on the struggles of making Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle is both a commercial and critical success, establishing Stephen Chow as a force in the field of acting as well as directing. After the success of Shaolin Soccer in 2001, he was offered a...

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...

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow and grow, it begs the question of just how much bigger the world's most famous franchise can go. I mean, when you've surpassed the stratosphere a decade ago, everyone has to ask that question at some point. Heck, it's been asked time and time again. And somehow, Marvel continues to defy expectations.

The franchise has expanded its own horizons in recent years through the Multiverse Saga, welcoming in characters and concepts from Marvel movies long before the MCU was a thing. But its ambitions didn't stop there, as it has also seen the franchise make its way onto Disney Plus through the format of TV shows and standalone specials. Although there were some blips along the way, the studio endured with last year's comebacks Deadpool and Wolverine and Agatha All Along. And it will no doubt continue to do so when the...

It's been nearly a year since we first learned of plans for Drew Goddard to write and direct a new Matrix movie. Rumours of a reboot or spin-off have persisted for years (the prequel starring Michael B. Jordan as a young Morpheus never came to fruition) but we've heard very little about this effort since it was announced by Warner Bros. Discovery.

Goddard, best known for writing The Martian and directing The Cabin in the Woods (he also worked on Netflix's Daredevil and the unmade Sinister Six movie for Sony Pictures), will have a helping hand from franchise co-creator Lana Wachowski who has boarded the project as an executive producer.

Yesterday, Will Smith shared a cryptic Instagram post addressing his now-infamous decision to pass on the role of Neo in 1999's The Matrix to instead star in Wild Wild West.

The Oscar-winner shared a brief video with a Matrix-style message reading,...

Are you ready for a Holes TV series? No? Well, that’s too damn bad! According to Variety, a TV series based on the best-selling book by Louis Sachar has been ordered to pilot at Disney+.

The original Holes novel follows “the story of Stanley Yelnats, an unlucky boy who is sent to a juvenile detention camp for a crime he did not commit. Now incarcerated at Camp Green Lake, Stanley is forced to spend his days digging holes in a dry lake bed. But as the story unfolds, Stanley discovers that both his own story and the story of his family are more connected to Camp Green Lake than he could have ever imagined.” The book was previously adapted into a feature film in 2003, which starred Shia Labeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Henry Winkler, Patricia Arquette, Jon Voight, and Tim Blake Nelson.

Related Movie Jail: This week’s defendant is…Shia Labeouf!

Will Smith will not star in the next 'Matrix' movie.The 'King Richard' actor sparked speculation on Monday (06.01.25) that he would be part of the fifth installment of the franchise that is currently in development after he shared a cryptic video on Instagram that told how he initially turned down the lead role of Neo - which ultimately went to Keanu Reeves - with the post ending on a teaser that led to fans speculating he was joining the series.The video message, in a 'Matrix'-style font, read: "In 1997, the Wachowski’s offered Will Smith the role of Neo in 'The Matrix'. Smith turned it down. He chose 'Wild Wild West', believing it was a better fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would 'The Matrix' have been like with Will Smith as Neo? Wake up,...

Will Smith has taken to social media to obliquely suggest that he might be starring in The Matrix 5 – 25 years after turning the original film down.

Will Smith famously turned down the chance to star as Neo in the original trilogy of Matrix films which began in 1999. The Matrix was a mind-bending cyberpunk adventure that would eventually star Keanu Reeves instead, becoming an all-time classic. While the sequels may not have lived up to the promise of that first film, The Matrix endures, and Smith’s decision to appear instead in Wild Wild West goes down as one of those legendary career missteps.

Of course, Smith is no stranger to career missteps, having committed perhaps the most high-profile one of that last couple of decades. His career is still recovering from that Oscars slap, but last year’s Bad Boys: Ride Or Die seemed to prove that audiences are more than...

Will Smith is not gearing up to star in the upcoming fifth The Matrix movie.

The Oscar-winning actor is the one causing the rumors after he posted a cryptic video on Instagram that discussed his decision to pass on the role of Neo in the first Matrix movie.

Keanu Reeves went on to star in the film while Will decided to make the box office flop Wild Wild West.

Keep reading to find out more…

“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 fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo?” the video reads.

The video ends with the text, “Wake up, Will. The matrix has you.”

Variety reports that The Matrix 5 has already been greenlit, but...

It is a widespread belief among fans and critics that actors do not choose roles rather the role chooses the actor. In the history of the film industry, there have been several iconic roles, but Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Neo in The Matrix will always occupy a special place in popular culture.

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix | Credit: Warner Bros.

A role that not only propelled him to the forefront of Hollywood but also made him famous across the world, today, it is hard to imagine anyone else as the titular character. This idea seems even more perplexing when one realizes that the Wachowskis had initially offered Will Smith the lead role but he turned it down fearing it won’t be a good film. However, he recently teased starring in such a film, sending shockwaves across The Matrix fandom.

Before Keanu Reeves, Will Smith was the first...

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.

Gold Derby’s top news stories for Jan. 6, 2025. A Real Pain comes to Hulu

One day after winning a Golden Globe, Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain now has a real plan for streaming. The dramedy film from writer-director-producer-actor Jesse Eisenberg, which won the Globe for supporting player Kieran Culkin, is coming to Hulu on Thursday, Jan. 16. Hulu and Searchlight — formerly Fox Searchlight — are both owned by Disney, so Hulu has become the home of a number of Searchlight titles, also including Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness, and Nightbitch.

A Real Pain made its first splash at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where Eisenberg won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. Since being picked up by Searchlight and released to general audiences in November, the film has been named one of the top 10 films of the year by the American Film Institute and received a long string of plaudits for Culkin. In addition to the Globe,...

Will Smith took to social today and made everyone think he’s starring in the next Matrix movie in development at Warner Bros.

“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 fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo?”

“Wake up Will…”

“The Matrix has you…”

But sources say Smith is not attached to the new Matrix movie. The whole tease is connected to a new music project that Smith has underway. The last album he released was back in 2005, “Lost and Found” which featured the hit single, “Switch” which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Smith’s third and last Hot 100 top 10. Last June, Smith dropped his first single in close to two decades,...