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In an homage toThe Matrix’srevolutionary impact on cinema, the original live-action X-Men film opted for an out from the vibrant comic book aesthetic, instead embracing a sleek and utilitarian black leather ensemble for its characters. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige creditedThe Matrix’sinfluence.
However, fans now have raised debates about Wesley Snipes’Bladefranchise, which showcased a sleek black leather ensemble way beforeThe Matrix.Despite this, Keanu Reeves’ iconic film series is often credited with popularizing the look. Here’s why!
Kevin Feige Credited Keanu Reeves’The Matrixfor Inspiring the Iconic X-Men Black Leather Suits!
During a conversation with theDeadpool & Wolverinecast, Brandon Davis of ComicBook.com (onX) got to the bottom of why the studios opted for all-black leather outfits instead of sticking with the iconic comic costumes of the mutant superheroes.
“It ended up being months and months of training”: The Matrix Made Hugo Weaving Train in Martial Arts for Such a Stupendous Amount of Time Even He Found it “Exhausting”
Kevin Feigeswiftly jumped in, clarifying the decision, he said,
There were studio execs in charge who knew that The Matrix had been a big hit and they wore black leather so, ‘Put them in black leather!’
When the 2000 X-Men film debuted with its black costumes, fans were split they either loved them or wished for more comic-book accuracy.The Matrixset a new standard for success, inspiring studios to follow suit and chase that same blockbuster magic. Well love the suits or hate it, it is something people will never forget, that is for sure!
Why CreditThe MatrixSaga WhenBladeDid It Way Before?
Kevin Feige credited theKeanu Reevesfranchise for the X-Men sleek black suits, but fans argue thatWesley Snipes‘Bladeactually introduced this look in 1998, beforeThe Matrix.However,Blade’ssuccess pales in comparison toThe Matrix.Because simply the Reeves saga is something that is way beyond cinema.
“That scene messed me up more than that Monica Bellucci scene”: Taylor Sheridan’s Most Devastating Film is More Disturbing Than The Matrix Star’s Unhinged Scene That Was Unwatchable
The Matrixmade its debut in 1999, captivating audiences, and making them question if they should choose the red or blue pill. With a budget of $63 million, it soared to $467.2 million at the box office, spawning sequels, video games, comics, animations, and whatnot, also including a 2021 fourth installment,The Matrix Resurrections.
Wesley Snipes in Blade II [Credit: New Line Cinema/Warner Bros.]However, the saga’s enduring legacy extends beyond financial success. Its iconic aesthetic, donned by Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss in leather coats, sparked an immediate fashion trend and left an indelible mark on global culture, and the X-Men simply wanted to test the formula. Here is what the fans are saying now,
Blade did it first, even before The Matrix.pic.twitter.com/6sVKS0aHXz
— Eric Pellinen (@EricPellinen)August 07, 2025
and it was a fucking good idea well played 😭😭
— 4KT WHO YOU HATE (@royal_bobby24)July 12, 2025
![Wesley Snipes in Blade II [Credit New Line Cinema, Warner Bros.]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/21040633/Wesley-Snipes-in-Blade-II-Credit-New-Line-Cinema-Warner-Bros.jpeg)
Hot take:The black leather was cooler than the original costumes
— ThorCast (@ThorJanisz31197)June 24, 2025
the black leather suits were tough ngl
— Honest Andrew 🥀 (@andrewscomet)July 31, 2025
That’s a terrible reason to change their iconic clothing!!!
— “Jeffy’s Butt Baby” FranchiseGuy17 (@Brandon10009985)June 23, 2025
Beyond Star Wars there’s no film more influential on 21st century cinema than The Matrix.
— John Handem Piette (@JohnHPiette)June 15, 2025
Well, at least Hugh Jackman will be seen in his comic-accurate Wolverine costume inDeadpool & Wolverine,giving fans yet another reason to catch the movie on its first day, first show!
X-Men is available on Disney+ to stream, while Deadpool & Wolverine, hits the theaters on 26 July.
Sampurna Banerjee
Articles Published :1803
Sampurna Banerjee is an Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, and she’s written over 1,700 articles! She covers everything from celebrity news to the latest superhero buzz, streaming shows, and fan theories. If it’s trending in pop culture, Sampurna’s probably already on it.When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her rewatching The Office (again), getting into debates about Marvel’s timeline, or diving deep into Christopher Nolan movies for the hundredth time. She’s not just writing about entertainment, she’s living it.
