There is a bit of conflicting information as to whether or not Sean Connery was offered the role of Morpheus. Connery has confirmed that he was offered a part in the Matrix franchise - the role of the architect in the later films, a role he turned down and eventually went to Helmut Bakaitis.
Indeed, celebrated names were taken in consideration, and Russell Crowe was at the top. Surprisingly, Crowe turned down the role for better opportunities — A Beautiful Mind, Gladiator, and The Insider — which undoubtedly turned out for the best for him.
Besides the role of the Architect, Sean Connery was offered the role of Morpheus. He turned it down because he couldn't understand the material, and the role eventually went to Laurence Fishburne.
The name Morpheus itself suggests the Greek god of dreams, whose name literally means “he who forms.” The god Morpheus has the ability to change his own shape and manipulate reality, as well as the power to bewitch other people's minds with dreams and fantasies.
Who turned down the role of Morpheus in The Matrix?
Nicholas Cage also turned down the role due to family obligations, and Val Kilmer, one of the producers' top picks, turned down both the role of Neo and Fishburne's Morpheus. Instead, he worked on the poorly received At First Sight.
In fact, Smith turned down the role of Neo in The Matrix to star in the critically panned western adaptation. His decision leaves many spectators wondering why he chose not to take on a role that's now considered iconic in both the sci-fi and action genres.
'The Matrix' wouldn't be the same without Keanu Reeves' Neo, but the role came close to several other actors. In fact, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star Johnny Depp was directors Lilly and Lana Wachowski's first choice, but he turned it down.
The actor said in 2020 that he had “not been invited” to reprise his role (via New York Magazine). The Matrix: Resurrection's story ultimately made sense of the surprising decision to recast Morpheus, but that doesn't necessarily mean leaving out Fishburne was the right move for the film.
This indicates that Morpheus' age and appearance is actually central to The Matrix 4's plot and that the film is likely to deliver either an origin story for the character or a reboot of sorts - or possibly even a little of both.
And just to drive home the fact that very few actors seemed to any faith in The Matrix, Will Smith also turned down the starring role. In 2019, Smith confirmed a long-standing rumour that he rejected the Neo part in favour of a far less adored movie.
Laurence Fishburne (born July 30, 1961, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.) is an American actor noted for the intensity of his performances. He was the recipient of a Tony Award (1992) for his work in August Wilson's play Two Trains Running but is probably best known for his role as Morpheus in the Matrix film trilogy.
At the studio's request, Gaiman later wrote "Goliath", a promotional short story set in the film's universe. The name Morpheus is that of the god of dreams in Greek mythology, which is consistent with the character's involvement with the "dreaming" of the Matrix.
Morpheus died in The Matrix Online, a game that is part of the “Matrix Expanded Universe” and is considered Matrix canon. Therefore, Morpheus' death could not be ignored in The Matrix Resurrections. As for Agent Smith, Hugo Weaving could not return for The Matrix Resurrections due to scheduling conflicts.
Who turned down the role of Trinity in the Matrix?
Both Jackson and Union-Wade failed to get the role, allowing Salma Hayek, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Sandra Bullock an opportunity to star as the movie's female lead. However, the role of Trinity eventually went to Carrie Ann-Moss, who gave an iconic performance as Neo's protector and love interest.
The Kindly Ones arrived, but Dream would not fight them, he allowed them to destroy him in order to save the Dreaming, and Death took Dream. Dream's role in the Endless was assumed by Daniel.
Niobe was once romantically involved with Morpheus, but their relationship broke apart after Morpheus received his revelations from the Oracle and started to preach the prophecy of the One (a prophecy Niobe has never truly believed in).
Overseeing the dream of mortals made Morpheus one of the busiest deities. He didn't have a wife but some interpretations would have seen him paired with Iris, another messenger of the Gods and the personification of rainbows.
These things are, quite painfully, related. Matrix 4 didn't bomb because it was bad. It bombed because, being itself about self-hatred and nostalgia and the tyranny of screens, it was hated by self-hating nostalgic netizens. Who must, by this logic, constitute a core constituency of the moviegoing public.
Warner Bros. has officially confirmed the development of "Matrix 5," marking a significant return to the iconic sci-fi franchise. This upcoming installment will be the first without the directing duo, Lana and Lily Wachowski, who have been instrumental in shaping the series since its inception.
Lana Wachowski delivers a surprisingly meta, self-aware movie about the original trilogy packed with bold, fascinating ideas but an absolutely terrible execution.
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.
Although the first movie ends with Neo embracing his role as The One, The Matrix Reloaded reveals Neo's journey had always been part of the Matrix's programming, and he wasn't the first savior. As a way to give humanity the illusion of free will, one human would be born with the ability to manipulate the simulation.
