In a recently uploaded YouTube video, Smith opens up about his decision to pass on the role, which basically came down to an awkward pitch meeting from its filmmakers.
Still, Smith says the ultimate casting choices for The Matrix were perfect with Keanu Reeves as Neo and Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus.
At this point, none of us could imagine anyone portraying Neo in The Matrix besides the expertly-cast Keanu Reeves.
However, Will Smith came close to playing the role, as it was offered to him before Reeves joined the cast.