Watch a Deepfake That Casts Will Smith as Neo In "The Matrix"

We really dodged a bullet.

Blue Pill

Will Smith has a big decision to make: will he take the red pill or the blue pill?

A deepfake video on YouTube explores what it would have been like if Will Smith had accepted the role of protagonist Neo in the 1999 blockbuster "The Matrix." Smith was offered the role before Keanu Reeves.

The actor went on to film "Wild Wild West" instead — a move he publicly apologized for earlier this year.

 

Dodged a Bullet

The deepfake video explores some of the key sequences of the movie, including the iconic "there is no spoon" scene and the climactic helicopter action sequence.

The effect is quite jarring, especially considering the shift in skin color, facial hair and hairstyle.

Matrix Reloaded

But it's an impressive example of  the power of the technology — watch how the ripples of the super-slowed-down bullet shock waves ripple across Smith's stunned face.

It's not a video we ever asked for, but maybe it's the video we deserve. And who knows — perhaps it will motivate Smith to join the cast of the series' upcoming fourth installment.

READ MORE: Watch Will Smith Play Neo in This Cursed 'Matrix' Deepfake [Vice]

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