What I know is we use opposite word for the actor or actress. I mean the main hero or heroine of the film.
Let's talk about The Matrix. Here, Keanu Reeves is in the lead role. Carrie-Anne Moss is opposite to him.
I understand that opposite does not literally mean an opponent or fighting Neo. That said, she is with Neo and will be helping him not fighting.
But then, now I want to use the word opposite in a literal sense. I want to say that Hugo Weaving as an Agent Smith is cast opposite to Keanu i.e. Neo. Here, he'll utterly opposing Neo and will fight with him.
So, the question is when we use opposite for the star casting, is it only for the opposite sex or opposite in deeds (in the movie, of course!)?
Is there any scope of using 'against'?