Fans of Will Smith are well aware that their favorite actor refused to appear in the blockbuster film franchise, The Matrix. The actor did not understand the complicated script of the film back then and hence, he rejected it. While his rejection of the franchise is no news to his fans, very few of them know that his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, almost starred in the same film.

The part of Trinity in the movie, which Carrie-Anne Moss ultimately played, had previously gone to the Set It Off actress. Keanu Reeves took over for Will Smith, and his life and career changed as a result of his performance in this movie. Jada Pinkett Smith, in contrast to her husband, did not reject the movie, but couldn’t make it in the end.

The 51-year-old actress auditioned for the film, but she was rejected because she didn’t share the intense chemistry with Reeves that Neo and Trinity are known for today. Recalling the incident associated with the film on Howard Stern film, Pinkett-Smith said, “Oh yeah. We just didn’t have any chemistry, he and I. I don’t think it was his fault. I think it was as much my fault as anybody’s. It wasn’t just Ke, it was me too.”

She also admitted that Moss played the role of Trinity way better than she could have ever done. However, later, she did get a part in the sequel to the franchise, but she had to lie to get it.

What did Mrs. Will Smith lie about to get the role in ‘The Matrix’s’ sequel?

After the release of its first part, The Matrix had become a huge deal, and the makers were planning to bring out multiple sequels to it. While Jada Pinkett Smith did not get the role in the first film of the franchise, she did feature in the next two films. The makers apparently planned the role of Niobe for her.

She was pregnant with her daughter, Willow Smith, at the time she was offered The Matrix Revolutions. The makers asked Jada to come to the set in November. Although Willow was due on November 11, the 51-year-old lied to the makers, saying the baby would arrive by the end of October and she would come to the set in November. Fortunately, Willow Smith was born on October 31, giving her mother a chance to fulfill her dream.

And that is how Jada Pinkett Smith completed her long dream of starring in the Matrix franchise. While not doing the film did not affect the career of Will Smith, it sure gave Jada a new direction.

What do you think of Jada Pinkett’s decision to do the film? Tell us in the comments.