Should Jet Li be in Matrix 2?

[p-diddy]

We all know that The Matrix had alot of cool martial arts scenes, but none of the actors or actresses really know how to fight.
So do you think that they should have a more believable actor like Jet Li? Or someone else?

[JoBlo]

I will say that I ain't too hip to the idea of Li joining the cast along with Jada Pinkett (neither of whom haven really proven much to me as actors).

I dug Li in LETHAL WEAPON 4, he had some great charisma, but if all he's gonna do is stand around and kick ass, I don't know how that will fit into the story (unless he's made to be more like a "cartoon" character or something...with very few lines).

Up till now, the "new" cast has not been too impressive...

[Tuukka]

They should kill Keanu's character and give the main role to someone who can act. For Example Jude Law and Wesley Bent both have "A major star" written all over their face and they can act 30 times better than Keanu... And they wouldn't have to spend 20 million to someone who does only damage to the film. Spend the money to some cool effects instead.

[Kaku]

Jet's one of my heroes, but I'd have to say that he shouldn't be in the sequels. Not that he's not capable of acting the socks off most of the cast (you just haven't seen the right Jet films, Jo), I just think that putting the second most famous Chinese action star in America (after you know who - Russell Crowe) in two of the most epic American action films of the millenium, would make the average caucasian cinemagoer think "God, are there only 2 Chinese guys in the whole world???"(OK, so that might not have come across very well, but hey, I know what I'm going on about /ubb/confused.gif ). So if there IS in fact a Chinese kinda character then it should be in the form of some other Chinese/Asian action actor...

[This message has been edited by Kaku (edited 12-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Kaku (edited 12-08-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Kaku (edited 12-08-2000).]

[Tuukka]

Must kill Keanu Reeves... Must kill Keanu Reeves... Must kill Keanu Reeves...

[Arcanum]

I get the feeling I'm gonna get shot down in flames for this, but I thought Keanu took a perfect part.
As for that Jet Li dude, sorry but the bloke has nothing to offer any film in my rather inconsequential opinion.
If you're looking for a persona that would fit right in I'd say look no further than Stephen Dorff.
This is my first post here so feel free to treat me like the newbie dog I am.

[Brock Landers]

I prefer non-martial artists in "The Matrix"...it shows how the mind really works...I wabt to see John Malkovich doing some sweet moves...by the way, Chow Yun-Fat never did any martial arts before "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and he does a great job...

[Lunatik]

You guys are nuts!! Jet-Li would make a cool movie even more cooler!! One of the main reasons the movie was popular was because of the action sequences! and having a martial art powerhouse like Li join the cast would only make the action much more intense!!!! I definetly think they should add him to the cast!!!!!!!

[Arcanum]

At the end of the day I don't really think it was the actual 'fighting' that was great, I think it had much more to do with the way those sequences were directed and filmed that made the whole thing rock big time. So I guess it doesn't really matter if the actor can fight or not. Having said that, Mr Smith is the only character in a movie I've seen that actually looked like he was putting his weight and full power behind his punches.

[Tuukka]

I don't think that Hugo Weaving can do martial arts, but he is definitely an exxcellent actor. Maybe he is simply so good in his body language that he manages to give impression of being a good fighter.

[R. P. McMurphy]

I'm up for Arcanum's idea on Stephen Dorff. He has nice screen presence.

[NomoPutzy]

I thought Jet Li was already out of Matrix 2. Money problems, the suits wouldn't pay him enough. The suits are also alienating Yuen Wo Ping, the MATRIX's (and Crouching Tiger's) famous stunt coordinator. They will only pay him 10% more for work on MAtrix 2 & 3, while everybody else gets much bigger raises. A BAD BAD BAD BAD idea ...

Source: COMING ATTRACTIONS website

[MrWhite]

sorry to disappoint u Jet Li fans but he is out of Matrix 2 and 3! He wanted to take the extra cash that is going to Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishbourne! Instead The Wachowski Brothers are looking at Michelle Yeoh (The chick from Tommorrow Never Dies) so they want sum1 with Martial Arts experience!

[Parchai]

I'm sorry guys, but Jet Li is the King Shit of Fuck Mountain as far as martial arts movies go. I think he would add a hell of a lot of credibility to the Matrix sequels and make it definately more exciting. Also, I think Jet is right in asking for a big salary in these movies. I like Keanu reeves but as far as I'm concerend, that dude just happened to be the right face at the right time. I really don't think he had to put up with as much as Jet Li does. Don't forget that these Hong Kong actors are having a hell of a hard time breaking into the American market. Look at what we did to poor Chow Yun-Fat. The guy has endless talent, but only lasted acouple of years here. Keanu, on the other hand, has little talent and has been fairly popular for a long time. Certainly more people would be able to recognize Keanu reeves than Yun-Fat. As a result I think Keanu can take a pay cut so that we can actually see people with real talent doing martial arts on the big screen. As for Jet's acting ability, I think he's a damn good actor, but you can't really tell from his american movies because 1) He has'nt been able to master the language yet. and 2) Hong Kong actors culturally have different facial postures and body movements that convey different emotions and such, therefore we can't really compare them to our more western standards for acting. Anyways, I definately think it would be a good idea for Jet Li to be in this movie, but as someone already stated, I think they said he's definately not going to be in the movie.

[herculeez]

mr.white is right, jet li will not be in matrix 2 or 3. But to answer the initial question, i think he should have been in the movies. He is one hell of a martial artist and, unlike most martial arts actors, for example jackie chan.

[Meru]

I reallllllllly want Jet Li to be in the matrix 2 & 3 if he's not, I probably won't even bother to see it. I mean, I like keanu and all, but I like Jet Li better, Even if he's a little greedy. I think he's sooo hot, he better be in there! I do not like michelle yoew, yuck. Jet Li is like my idol.

[KornKidJedi]

Jet Li????? OHHHHHHHHH yeah that would be awesome

[Junior]

He will not be.

END OF STORY.

-Junior-

[kramer-rules]

not going to see the matrix because jet li is not going to be in it is crazy.Wether he ends up in the movie or not(very probably not)is not so important.Its the script,the direction and matching the look of the original that matters.Jet li is a wicked martial artist and would be great in the movie but him not being their is not that important.Have faith in the wachowski brothers to make lightning strike twice.Hey that makes me think couldnt the agents control things like the weather if the matrix makes it hmmmm!!

[HarryLloyd96]

i think jet li would be great in the matrix... just as long as his lips move to the words hes actually saying. he is great for fighting movies, but the matrix 2 wont be very good if you cant understand what he saying. as for keanu reeves, he was good for the part no matter what anyone says. if it wasnt him it may have ended up being kurt russel or some other old guy who doesnt fit the part and cant act.

[neo]

He must be in the matrix man.he fights really good.I have a piece of advice for larry and andy: DO NOT GIVE JET LI TOO MUCH DIALOGUE!!!!He's not so good in english so that's the only reasons why i would't want him to be in the matrix 2.But he probably would only fight in part two and maybe some dialogue.

[campblood2]

nooooOOOOOO

[MrWhite]

If there were any justice in this world Jet Li would be in the Matrix sequels, the perfect role for him- an equeal 2 neo inside the system- the ultimate unbeatable computre virus!
Shame he sed no then aint it!

[normjr]

Jey Li is one of the greatest international stars. And no I don't think he should be in the sequel. Part of the cool part of this film is that these people are taken out of there reality and told that it is not reality. So then they go back and they can jump over buildings and have the ancient ways of kung-fu samuri warriors downloaded into theie head. If you put in a person who is a master of martial arts then you ruin the effect. And a couple people have been talking about making an "asian" part. None of the parts in the original were cast racially. Morphues could have been any race. But Lawrence Fishburn got the role. It has nothing to do with black white asian as far as the story goes. Give the jobs to actors. And let them act like they kick ass. And, if you hate Keanu Reeves then don't go see the movie. I don't like him either but I think he looked cool in this movie and I look forward to seeing what they do to him.

[wijim]

Preach ON Brother! Truer words were never spoken. think of it like this, did you ever say "yeah, I liked the matrix, but the fighting sucked-ass." No you never said that, the fighting was the best most of us ever saw. The truth is with movie magic, anyone can be the king of martial arts. I love Jet Li, I truly think he is the best martial artist ever, not actor. And besides the matrix is all about the story; the fighting was just a bonus.

[MovieSuperFreak]

Personally I think Jet li is the man. For the type of action scenes that made people go wow in the first one you can't get better than Jet Li. As for Keanu, it is one of the extremely rare times where the famous male bimbo did a good job (sorry to any one else but I liked him in Point Break. But in response to Arcanum, I agree that the fight sequences were not the movie's glory. You want glory think the "roof scene" or my personal fav the "lobby scene".

[V dude]

Matrix was amazingly tacky

and I only hope that Matrix 2 is better and decent and I trust it will be if Jet Li does agree to it.

[This message has been edited by V dude (edited 04-27-2001).]