The Matrix: 20 Things You Didn't Know

19. The Studio Were Highly Skeptical

Will smith matrix thumb
Warner Bros. Pictures

There's a rumour The Matrix received a $10 million budget even though the Wachowskis asked for eight times that amount. Knowing it was impossible to bring their vision to life with such a minuscule budget, the directors blew all the money on the opening scene.

When they showed it to the higher-ups, they were so impressed, they agreed to boost the budget to $63 million.

It's a wonderful story, but not exactly what happened.

When the studio were unhappy with production, they threatened to intervene. Panicked, the editor scrambled to put together the opening scene.

Although the sound and visual effects weren't completed, the producers saw enough to realise the movie was in safe hands and so, left the production alone.

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows