Jada Pinkett Smith's favorite character

''I love being badass. Hell, yeah!'' exclaims Jada Pinkett Smith, who buffed up to play the Matrix-fighting Captain Niobe in 2003's The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Now on screen as Don Cheadle's frustrated wife in the 9/11 drama Reign Over Me, the actress, 35, almost didn't get her warrior experience. ''The first time I read the script, they wanted [my husband] Will to play Neo. I was like, 'Will, you've gotta do this movie, this is going to be huge!''' But Mr. Smith was a no-go, and Mrs. Smith got the Wachowski brothers to write her into the sequels.

You Might Also Like

• All About Jada Pinkett Smith
• The Deal Report Hugh Jackman set to produce a TV drama | Adam B. Vary
• Music News Jada Pinkett Smith is the Opening Act of the Week
• In the News Britney's opening act: Jada Pinkett Smith | Gary Susman