Brad Pitt Reveals He Also Passed on Role as Neo in 'The Matrix'

The Oscar-winning actor revealed this tidbit at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

In February 2019, Will Smith revealed that he turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the public found out he wasn't the only A-lister to do so.

Brad Pitt received the Maltin Modern Master Award at the festival. Before the ceremonies, a People Magazine reporter asked Pitt to share any roles he'd passed on. He initially refused but shared this tidbit.

“I’ll give you one, only one, because I really believe it was never mine,” Pitt said. “It’s not mine. It’s someone else’s and they go and make it. I really do believe in that. I really do. But I did pass on the Matrix. I took the red pill.” Find the full interview above.

In a video collaboration with Westbrook Studios, Will Smith revealed that he turned the role down in favor of appearing in Wild Wild West. The movie was panned by multiple outlets, including Rotten Tomatoes. At the time of its release, its $170 million budget made it the most expensive film ever made after adjusting for inflation. Smith also revealed that he initially declined his role in Men in Black as well.

The Matrix served as a catalyst in Keanu Reeves' career. After appearing in titles like Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Point Break, The Matrix broke a streak of unsuccessful releases for Reeves. The film earned nearly eight times its budget of $63 million.

H/T: People Magazine