Laurence Fishburne will not be returning as Morpheus in The Matrix 4.
Laurence Fishburne starred as Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy in the late 90s and early 2000s. The Matrix was one of the biggest science fiction action franchises of the early 21st century. The series used ground breaking special effects and action sequences, and with a thought-provoking story it is a crucial part of film history and carved out the Wachowskis as science fiction geniuses. Fans were surprised and delighted when it was announced that the franchise would continue with The Matrix 4 and Lana Wachowski would be helming the project as director, producer and co-writer.
The Matrix 4 not only sees the return of Lana Wachowski, but a number of the original trilogy’s stars are returning as well with Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Neo, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, Jada Pinkett-Smith as Niobe, Lambert Wilson as The Merovingian. However, one name is missing from that list that most were expecting to see. Laurence Fishburne will not be reprising his role as Morpheus.
Laurence Fishburne recently spoke to the New York Magazine about The Matrix 4 and revealed why he isn’t returning as his iconic character Morpheus.
“I have not been invited,” Laurence Fishburne revealed. “Maybe that will make me write another play. I wish them well. I hope it’s great.”
While it is disappointing that Fishburne won’t be making an appearance as his iconic Morpheus role in The Matrix 4, the actor clearly appreciates having gotten to play the character in the first three Matrix films.
“It is probably the role that I’ll be best remembered for, which is great; it’s not the only thing I’ll be remembered for, which is better,” the actor said. “What I get with him is I’ve got Darth Vader in this hand, and I’ve got Obi-Wan in that hand. I’ve got Bruce Lee, I’ve got Muhammad Ali shuffled in there, and I’ve got kung fu. It’s the old story in a modern context. It’s the One, the Christ, the Buddha, the Godhead, the fully realized being told through the digital age.”
WHAT THE MATRIX 4 WILL LOOK LIKE WITHOUT LAURENCE FISHBURNE
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has joined the cast as a young Morpheus in The Matrix 4. This might explain why Laurence Fishburne will not be reprising his role in the upcoming Matrix 4, but it may still be disappointing for die-hard fans. However, with a younger Morpheus as part of movie this is a chance to introduce a new generation of fans to The Matrix franchise, with The Matrix 4 as the entry.
RELATED: WATCHMEN’S YAHYA ABDUL MATEEN II TO PLAY MORPHEUS IN MATRIX 4: EXCLUSIVE
The Matrix 4 has a star-studded cast with not only the returning cast members and Abdul-Mateen II, but a number of well-known actors who have been cast in undisclosed roles. This includes Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Henwick, Priyanka Chopra, Jonathan Groff, Toby Onwumere, Max Riemelt, Eréndira Ibarra, Andrew Caldwell, Brain J. Smith, and Ellen Hollman in undisclosed roles.
Laurence Fishburne is not the only cast member of the original trilogy who won’t be returning. Hugo Weaving who starred as Agent Smith the main antagonist in the first three Matrix films will not return for The Matrix 4 due to scheduling conflicts.
And while Lily Wachowski will not return for the next installment of The Matrix franchise due to her work on the Showtime series, Work In Progress. Lana Wachowski is returning to produce, direct, and co-write the script with Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell, who also wrote the Sense8 series finale with Lana. Details about the story of The Matrix 4 have been held pretty close to the vest, but with what little is known and with the impressive cast it looks like this will be a fantastic addition to The Matrix franchise.
The Matrix 4 was originally set to release May 21, 2021, but the fourth installment of The Matrix franchise is now set to be released April 1, 2022. Are you disappointed Laurence Fishburne won’t be reprising his role as Morpheus in The Matrix 4? Are you excited for The Matrix 4? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media page.
KEEP READING: WHAT YAHYA ABDUL-MATEEN II’S CASTING AS MORPHEUS COULD MEAN
Source: Comic Book Movie
