10 Movie Re-Castings That Ruined Iconic Characters

Original - Hugo Weaving

Recast - Jonathan Groff

There is no question The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions failed to capture the magic of the original. But we can all agree Hugo Weaving's performance in all three chapters was mesmerising. Because most of the actors deliver their lines flat, Smith's over-the-top menace wasn't just entertaining, it was necessary. (Also, fair play to him for making the line, "Cookies need love like everything does" sound intimidating.)

It was disappointing how Weaving didn't return as Smith in The Matrix Resurrections, but his replacement looked like he had potential. Jonathan Groff has proven to be a terrific actor in Mindhunter and was a stand-out as King George in Hamilton. Based on the trailer, it seemed Groff had Smith's voice pattern down to a pat.

Unfortunately, Groff failed to capture the same menace as Weaving, verbally and physically. He runs away from a fight and briefly allies with Neo at one point - two things the Smith from the original trilogy would NEVER do. Because he acts so differently, it would've been better if Groff was playing a completely new Agent. Annoyingly, Smith was shoved into the film anyway, regardless if it made sense.