For Matrix fans, this week has been historic. Teasers for the “The Matrix Resurrections” dropped throughout the week. With a full trailer now dropped, the hype is real. But is it all just nostalgia bait?
Although the ending of the third film in the Trilogy (The Matrix Revolutions) left no real room for sequels with the death of the main character, Neo – as played by Keanu Reeves, it is definite from the images and trailers already released that he will make his long-awaited return to the Matrix, albeit looking more like John Wick than the clean-shaven, short-haired Neo.
Besides Keanu, other actors will also reprise their roles: Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe, and Lambert Wilson as the Merovingian. Likewise, a host of actors new to the Matrix franchise have been confirmed by IMDB, such as Neil Patrick-Harris and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, though other notable actors have outright turned down roles.
A Lacking Reunion
Unfortunately, however, two of the most beloved characters of the trilogy will almost certainly not be making an appearance in this fourth installment; those being Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith who has declined the role, and Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus who is not on the cast list.
Yet, Morpheus appears to be, nonetheless, a major character; present in both person and speech in the full trailer. It is looking likely that we will see a younger version of the character played by a different actor; possibly Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
While passing judgment on the long-awaited fourth movie now seems hasty, we can be certain through what we know that this latest iteration will be very different as a new take on The Matrix universe, while giving itself enough scope for sequels. And of course, all the while piling in plenty of stunts and “gun-fu”.
