“Blade did it first”: Wesley Snipes, Arnold Started It But Why Did Keanu Reeves’ Matrix Took the Credit For Hugh Jackman’s Black Leather X-Men Suit

Despite Blade pioneering the look, The Matrix set the trend for black leather suits worn by the X-Men.

Written by: Sampurna
Reviewed by: Sayantan
wesley snipes, keanu reeves, matrix, hugh jackman, x-men

SUMMARY

  • The Matrix reshaped how action and sci-fi films were perceived, introducing a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that captivated audiences and filmmakers alike.
  • The iconic black leather ensembles worn by characters in The Matrix sparked a significant fashion trend, influencing style beyond the realms of cinema and in this case, the X-Men franchise.
  • Despite Blade showcasing a similar style earlier, The Matrix solidified and popularized the look of sleek black leather suits in mainstream cinema, leaving an enduring mark on popular culture.
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In an homage to The Matrix’s revolutionary impact on cinema, the original live-action X-Men film opted for an out from the vibrant comic book aesthetic, instead embracing a sleek and utilitarian black leather ensemble for its characters. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige credited The Matrix’s influence.

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X-Men: Days of Future Past. (2014) | Credit: 20th Century Studios.
X-Men: Days of Future Past. (2014) | Credit: 20th Century Studios.

However, fans now have raised debates about Wesley Snipes’ Blade franchise, which showcased a sleek black leather ensemble way before The Matrix. Despite this, Keanu Reeves’ iconic film series is often credited with popularizing the look. Here’s why!

Kevin Feige Credited Keanu Reeves’ The Matrix for Inspiring the Iconic X-Men Black Leather Suits!

During a conversation with the Deadpool & Wolverine cast, Brandon Davis of ComicBook.com (on X) got to the bottom of why the studios opted for all-black leather outfits instead of sticking with the iconic comic costumes of the mutant superheroes.

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Kevin Feige swiftly jumped in, clarifying the decision, he said,

There were studio execs in charge who knew that The Matrix had been a big hit and they wore black leather so, ‘Put them in black leather!’

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix Reloaded
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix Reloaded | Warner Bros. Pictures

When the 2000 X-Men film debuted with its black costumes, fans were split they either loved them or wished for more comic-book accuracy. The Matrix set a new standard for success, inspiring studios to follow suit and chase that same blockbuster magic. Well love the suits or hate it, it is something people will never forget, that is for sure!

Why Credit The Matrix Saga When Blade Did It Way Before?

Kevin Feige credited the Keanu Reeves franchise for the X-Men sleek black suits, but fans argue that Wesley Snipes‘ Blade actually introduced this look in 1998, before The Matrix. However, Blade’s success pales in comparison to The Matrix. Because simply the Reeves saga is something that is way beyond cinema.

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The Matrix made its debut in 1999, captivating audiences, and making them question if they should choose the red or blue pill. With a budget of $63 million, it soared to $467.2 million at the box office, spawning sequels, video games, comics, animations, and whatnot, also including a 2021 fourth installment, The Matrix Resurrections.

Wesley Snipes in Blade II [Credit New Line Cinema, Warner Bros.]
Wesley Snipes in Blade II [Credit: New Line Cinema/Warner Bros.]
However, the saga’s enduring legacy extends beyond financial success. Its iconic aesthetic, donned by Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss in leather coats, sparked an immediate fashion trend and left an indelible mark on global culture, and the X-Men simply wanted to test the formula. Here is what the fans are saying now,

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Well, at least Hugh Jackman will be seen in his comic-accurate Wolverine costume in Deadpool & Wolverine, giving fans yet another reason to catch the movie on its first day, first show!

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X-Men is available on Disney+ to stream, while Deadpool & Wolverine, hits the theaters on 26 July.

Hugh JackmanKeanu ReevesWesley Snipes

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Written by Sampurna Banerjee

Articles Published: 955

Sampurna Banerjee, an ardent enthusiast of pop culture and movies, pours her passion into her role as a writer for FandomWire. With a penchant for Marvel, DC, and sitcoms, she has contributed over 400 articles, staying up-to-date to the entertainment industry's latest buzz. Moreover, she's penned over 300 articles for Animated Times and shared her work across several Instagram pages. Currently she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Calcutta University.