The Matrix is among the most influential science fiction films of all-time, and significantly impacted the pop culture landscape upon its debut in 1999; for a brief moment, the age-old debate about “Star Wars versus Star Trek” was set aside, as The Matrix clearly had a mythology that was just as rich.
As the series continued, the films grew progressively more complex, building out the entire history of humanity’s fall, and how an artificial intelligence could feasibly enslave the human race by simulating reality; the series has also been analyzed for its commentary on gender identity, consumerism, and capitalism.
While these are all weighty themes to deal with in an action franchise, the series has remained endearing to audiences due to the charisma of Keanu Reeves in his performance as Neo.
However, Reeves wasn’t initially the first choice to play the role that would become his most famous.
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