New AI art for movies featuring Jack Black as Neo from The Matrix and Judi Dench as RoboCop reimagines actors in major film roles. There are many movie roles that are often considered classic, partially due to the actor who portrays their character. This includes Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Now, Dark666Redd has posted AI art generated in Midjourney featuring different actors in a variety of classic roles. This includes Jack Black becoming Neo, Judi Dench stepping in as RoboCop, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Willy Wonka. Get a closer look at these remixed roles and more below:
Actors That Were Almost Classic Film Characters
Many classic film roles were originally passed around to multiple actors before finally being played by the actors best known for their characters. One instance of this is Neo from The Matrix, with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sandra Bullock among others approached for the role. Ultimately, Reeves was cast, playing Neo in the original film, as well as The Matrix Resurrections in 2021.
Sometimes, actors will turn down roles for movies that end up becoming large, such as when Matt Damon turned down leading Avatar, including an offer for 10% of its profits. Hugh Jackman and Tom Cruise were once offered the role of Tony Stark in the MCU, which ultimately went to Downey Jr. The process of different actors almost playing now-classic film characters seems to be a frequent occurrence, showcasing how any casting choice could be possible in the film industry.
While it’s unlikely Dench will be the next RoboCop or Schwarzenegger the next Willy Wonka anytime soon, art like Dark666Redd’s allows for fun speculation about alternate actors for different film roles. It also gives way to speculating how a movie would change if a different actor played a specific role. With how many classic movies would feel different because of this, it seems most casting choices were meant to be.
