The Matrix: 20 Things You Didn't Know

The Matrix struck a chord with filmgoers in a way few stories have ever achieved. With its unparalleled fighting scenes, breathtaking action, iconic characters, and multilayered philosophy, The Matrix was guaranteed to become a classic.

And because it is littered with little Easter eggs, it is revered as one of those films you notice something different upon every viewing. But there are still a few things here and there you may not know. We're not just looking at the film itself but the behind-the-scenes incidents, casting choices, inspirations, and misconceptions about the movie.

Even if you feel like you know everything there is to know, there are bound to be a few things that escaped your attention.

Did you realise some unintentional moments made it into the film? Did you notice there isn't as much bullet-time as you once thought? Did you ever wonder why it's called The Matrix in the first place?

When the fourth entry in the franchise coming out this year, now looks like a good time to jack in and look at some lesser-known details about The Matrix.

Laurence Fishburne feels so perfect as Morpheus, it's difficult to picture anyone else doing the role of Neo's bespectacled mentor half as well. But Fishburne was far from the first choice.

Although the rumours that Sean Connery was offered the role are unfounded, there were many Hollywood stars considered including Christopher Walken, Samuel L. Jackson, Val Kilmer, Chow Yun-Fat, Gary Oldman, and Tommy Lee Jones. Russell Crowe read for the part but gave up after 42 pages, stating "I just didn't get it".

One of the reasons Fishburne won the role was because he was among the few actors who could follow the story.

In his opinion, he didn't find the plot difficult to understand but still doubted the film would get made because it was "too smart".