The Matrixis one of the most prolific action movie franchises of all time, with the newest sequel,The Matrix Resurrectionsreleasing to an enthusiastic reception from fans (though critical and commercial reception has been underwhelming). Furthermore, Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith is one of the most recognizable modern movie villains due to his sunglasses, tuxedo, and perfect neutral scowl. Now, it has been confirmed that Hugo Weaving was once in talks to reprise the role of Smith before Jonathan Groff was selected to assume the role instead.
Legendary actor Hugo Weavingis notably attached to multiple big film franchises. In addition to Agent Smith in theMatrixfilms, Weaving has portrayed various characters including Elrond in theLord of the Ringsfilms, Megatron in theTransformersfilms, Red Skull inCaptain America: The First Avenger, and Thaddeus Valentine inMortal Engines. Hugo Weaving has only one appearance in an upcoming film as of now, with a supporting role inLoveland, an independent science-fiction romance film by independent filmmaker Ivan Sen.
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In an interview with Gizmodo,The Matrix Resurrectionsco-writers David Mitchell and Aleksandar Hemon revealed that Hugo Weaving was almost included in the new film but was decided against due to not being the right fit for the film. Hemon commented that “Agent Smith would have been different in some ways, no matter who played him,” and thatMindhunterstar Jonathan Groff"added a dimension [to Smith] that [the writers] could not foresee while [they] were writing." Taking this into account, the reason behind Hugo Weaving not appearing inResurrectionssimply boils down to the creative restraints set by the film’s story, and that Groff was an unexpected perfect fit.
In addition to Jonathan Groff,The Matrix Resurrectionsstars returning actors such as Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jada Pinkett Smith as well as a slew of new additions to the cast likeIron Fiststar Jessica Henwick, Yayha Abdul-Mateen II, Priyanka Chopra, and Neil Patrick Harris.Resurrectionsalso boasts direction by Lana Wachowski, cinematography by Daniele Massaccesi and John Toll, editing by Joseph Jet Sally, and a musical score by Johnny Klimek and German filmmaker Tom Tykwer. Despite fan speculation, Lana Wachowski has confirmed thatResurrectionsis not the start of a new trilogy, leaving the fate of the Matrix franchise afterResurrectionsambiguous at this time.
Hugo Weaving will always be remembered and appreciated by fans for his portrayal of Agent Smith whether or not he ever returns to the role. Here’s hoping fans of the actor will be able to see him again on the big screen soon.
The Matrix Resurrectionsis now playing in theaters.
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