He hoped that by demanding an exorbitant fee, he would discourage the Lilly (Andy) Wachowski and Lana Wachowski from hiring him. However, his plan didn't succeed. Not willing to give up, Woo-Ping then made what he considered an impossible demand: he would only agree to work on the project if he had complete control over all fight scenes and was allowed to train the actors for four months before filming began.
The Wachowskis recognized the importance of authentic martial arts sequences and agreed to his conditions. They granted Woo-Ping full control over the fight choreography and training process, which contributed significantly to the film’s groundbreaking action scenes. His rigorous training and creative vision helped shape the iconic fight sequences that became a hallmark of The Matrix.
This collaboration was crucial in elevating the film’s action choreography to a new level, blending martial arts with innovative filmmaking techniques. Woo-Ping’s insistence on control ultimately paid off, resulting in some of the most memorable fight scenes in cinematic history.
