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It’s already been 30 years since The Matrix has opened in theatres. The movie gained widespread acclaim and praise for its innovative visual effects, action sequences, cinematography, and entertainment value.

Keanu Reeves in a still from The Matrix (1999)

More than that, the well-organized story, fantastic battles, and unique characters like Neo make The Matrix a must-see and one of the best classic sci-fi action films ever made. A large part of the franchise’s success goes to its main actor, Keanu Reeves. He excelled in the part of Neo, which is no less than iconic.

But did you know the starring role was originally offered to many other actors who turned it down?

Wachowski Sisters’ First Choice For the Role of Neo was Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp

Yes right! Keanu Reeves was the filmmakers’ second choice, as the role was initially also offered to stars like Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Nic Cage, Val Kilmer, and Brad Pitt, and the majority turned it down because they didn’t understand the script. But it wasn’t the reason for Depp.

According to The trilogy’s composer, Don Davis, the Pirates Of The Caribbean actor was the Wachowski Sisters’ first choice for the role, whereas Warner Bros wanted to cast Brad Pitt or Val Kilmer as Neo.

The filmmakers were high on Depp, but he was busy doing Donnie Brasco (1997) and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). As per reports, Depp turned the film down the role due to his own busy schedule at the time — which is correct.

That’s not the first time he turned down any role. Before Leonardo DiCaprio landed the role of Jack Dawson, Depp was offered to star in the lead role in Titanic, but again, he turned down an amazing offer.

The Matrix Could Have Double Down Johnny Depp’s Money to $550

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow

Over the years, Johnny Depp has passed many roles, and his success is proof. However, there are some roles like Neo which could have taken him to another level.

Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was highly lucrative for Depp, making him a reported $300 million in total. But another franchise could have doubled his money — The Matrix, which came into theaters and completely changed the game for action movies.

The trilogy of Matrix films made by Keanu Reeves earned $250 million. The final film in that franchise was released back in 2003, which is also the same year that the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie hit theaters.

If the filming schedule had been worked out well, Depp could have hauled over $550 million (combined). Although the actor has not expressed any regrets for losing the role because opportunities neglected can never be returned.