Hollywood star Jada Pinkett Smith has had a vast career. Over the years, she has become a profound actress, singer, talk show host, and businesswoman. One of the most popular movie series she has featured in includes Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski’s sci-fi franchise, The Matrix. The franchise, which was first offered to her husband, Will Smith, introduced Pinkett Smith as Niobe in the sequel of the 1999 film.
She has reprised her character in the following movies, including the last film in the franchise so far, The Matrix Resurrections. However, it was not the part she initially auditioned for. During an interview, the Collateral actress revealed the role she wanted to play, along with the reason she lost her audition.
Jada Pinkett Smith Lost The Matrix Due to Lack of Chemistry With Keanu Reeves
The 1999 sci-fi film introduced movie lovers to The Matrix and its protagonist, Neo, who joins the battle against machines to save humanity from a simulated reality. The movie features Keanu Reeves alongside Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and an ensemble cast.
Carrie-Anne Moss portrayed Neo’s romantic interest and has been seen alongside Neo throughout the franchise. However, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who joined the film series with the 2003 sequel, The Matrix Reloaded, also auditioned for the role.
During an interview with Howard Stern, she opened up about failing her interview due to the lack of chemistry with its leading star. “I auditioned for Trinity with Keanu. But Keanu and I didn’t, uh, really click,” she shared. Although she failed to land the part, The Nutty Professor actress has shared that she became good friends with Reeves.
The actress further stated that both of them were unable to hold the chemistry Neo and Trinity needed to have for the movie. “It wasn’t just Ke, it was me too,” she added. While he lost her initial audition, the filmmakers created a character, especially for Pinkett Smith, and the actress had only one concern before she accepted the offer.
Jada Pinkett Smith’s Only Condition to Accept Niobe’s Role
After Jada Pinkett Smith failed her audition for the 1999 film, filmmakers decided to introduce a new character, Niobe, to feature the 52-year-old actress in the franchise. Filmmakers Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski created the character of Niobe and introduced her in the 2003 sequel, The Matrix Reloaded.
During an interview with the Chicago Tribune, the Girls Trip actress shared that she loved the fact that Niobe’s character was created for her. Pinkett Smith shared that she was aware of its concept as she auditioned for the first film. However, she still had one question.
“They created this character for you.’ ‘Really? Any nudity?'” she recalled in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. The actress accepted the offer after she was assured that The Matrix Reloaded does not require her to film such scenes. Although she lost the part of Trinity, Pinkett Smith has continued to reprise her character, Niobe, in the following sequels to the original movie.
The Matrix franchise is available on Peacock TV and Max.
Source: Chicago Tribune
