Everything We Know About The Matrix: Resurrections

After many years of rumor and speculation, The Matrix 4 is finally happening following an official confirmation. Here’s everything we know so far.

Here’s everything currently revealed about The Matrix: Resurrections. Originally released in 1999, the first Matrix movie stunned audiences with breathtaking visuals and a vividly detailed science fiction world dripping in fascinating subtext and philosophical musings. The Matrix made a star out of Keanu Reeves, and also featured Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Laurence Fishburne in now-iconic supporting roles. The Matrix marked the first major feature-length production for the Wachowski siblings, putting the duo firmly on the cinematic map.

Two sequels followed, both released in 2003, in the form of The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. While the latter enjoyed a slightly more positive reception, neither film could match the quality of the original and many fans were left disappointed by the Matrix sequels‘ poor pacing, heavy exposition, and wasted characters. Only the action sequences and awe-inspiring visuals were retained from the acclaimed original movie.

Related: How The Matrix 4 Can Re-define Sci-Fi Movies (Again)

Despite this relative failure, talk of The Matrix 4 has been near-constant since the sequels’ release, and after the project was officially announced, the sequel is set to finally arrive at the end of 2021, with the title revealed at CinemaCon after an earlier leak. Here’s everything we know about HBO Max’s The Matrix: Resurrections.

Keanu Reeves & Carrie-Anne Moss Return For The Matrix: Resurrections

Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss would be reprising their roles as Neo and Trinity, respectively. This is especially interesting since both characters were killed off in The Matrix Revolutions. Given the reality-bending nature of the Matrix franchise, however, resurrection certainly isn’t out of the question, and Neo’s return was hinted at in the original trilogy’s closing moments, thanks to a line from the Oracle. The Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) is also coming back. Sadly, neither Hugo Weaving – who played Agent Smith so famously – nor Laurence Fishburne, who played Morpheus is set to return. Additionally, while Cypher actor Joe Pantoliano lobbied to take part, he has not been added to the cast publicly.

Lana Wachowski Will Be Directing The Matrix 4

As well as Reeves and Moss, Lana Wachowski will also be plugging back into The Matrix for a fourth time. The original trilogy was written and directed by Lana Wachowski and her sister Lilly, but only the former will be working on The Matrix: Resurrections. Lilly has been taking something of a sabbatical from the entertainment industry since around 2016, with Lana working alone on the second season of Sense8. Regarding science-fiction specifically, Lilly claims she has lost interest in stories heavy with subtext since her gender transition, explaining her absence in The Matrix 4. Since 2019, Lilly has also been busy working on the drama/comedy series Work In Progress, the second season of which debuted in August 2021.

New Matrix 4 Cast Members

The Matrix: Resurrections cast isn’t just returning talent, and a host of well-known new additions are set to make their franchise debut. Aquaman‘s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II appears to be playing a younger version of Morpheus according to the first footage description Additionally, The Matrix 4 has also cast Neil Patrick Harris, Iron Fist‘s Jessica Henwick, Mindhunter‘s Jonathan Groff, Quantico‘s Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Spartacus‘ Ellen Hollman, and Sense8‘s Toby Onwumere and Brian J. Smith, mostly in undisclosed roles. Harris’ role was revealed – at least partly – by the first footage at CinemaCon 2021, which confirmed he is playing Neo – or Thomas Anderson’s – therapist. Christina Ricci was the final addition to the cast in an unnamed role.

Related: The Matrix 4: Every New Actor Cast In Resurrections

The Matrix 4’s Story

So far, little has been revealed of the plot of The Matrix 4‘s plot, beyond what was shown at CinemaCon. On top of the reveal that both Neo and Trinity return to the Matrix – the construct, not the franchise – the footage also showed that Neo was unaware of his previous real-world life as The One. It also confirmed that the newly renamed Thomas and Trinity do not know each other, despite having outbreaks of deja vu. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is shown seemingly attempting to wake Thomas up to the reality of the Matrix, and offering him the now fabled red or blue pill choice. According to the trailer description, Neo will reawaken his powers – seemingly confirming the second meaning of the title. Whether the Machine War returns remains to be seen, and there’s no confirmation of how Neo is alive or back in the Matrix, which are clearly both hugely intriguing questions.

The Matrix 4 Release & Trailer Date

The Matrix 4 is coming to HBO Max on 22 December 2021 after the global pandemic delayed the release significantly and Warner Bros pivoted to an at-home release for all of 2021’s biggest movies. The Matrix: Resurrections officially began production in February 2020, but was forced to halt in mid-March due to the Coronavirus before recommencing in the summer.

As for the trailer, The Matrix 4 has yet to reveal anything significant, despite being less than a year away from release. Warner Bros avoided the opportunity to use the Super Bowl as a tentpole event to show something for HBO Max, but more marketing for the release should follow on the back of the trailer’s release at CinemaCon.

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