Lana Wachowski's highly anticipated sequel The Matrix 4 just added a new star to its already impressive cast. As if its inclusion of Neil Patrick Harris wasn't enough of a reason to perk up a few heads, now Christina Ricci will work with one of the Wachowski sisters once again as she joins the team for the upcoming sci-fi film.
This news was announced rather unceremoniously through an updated press kit from Warner Bros. As such, Ricci's role in the movie is currently unknown. But whomever she ends up playing, she'll be in good company with the likes of Harris, Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jada Pinkett Smith, among a substantial collection of other top talent. The Matrix 4 may have some pretty big hills to climb, but it certainly seems to have the momentum to pull it off.
This will be Ricci's first time working with one of the Wachowski sisters since 2008's surreal and divisive fever dream Speed Racer. Of course, that's far from her most famous work, as she's built a long acting career since childhood with a breakout part as Wednesday in 1991's The Addams Family and several other acclaimed roles in films like Casper and Sleepy Hollow. The Matrix 4 will be only the latest in her ever-trucking life as an actress.
Unfortunately, in the years since Speed Racer, Lilly Wachowski has slowly begun to step away from science fiction, leaving the new Matrix film in her sister Lana's capable directing hands. That's not to say Lilly is retired or anything. She just seems to be focusing a bit more on writing and producing these days. She currently produces the Showtime series Work In Progress.
Lilly isn't the only one not making a return in the upcoming sequel. Hugo Weaving had to step down from reprising his role as Agent Smith due to scheduling conflicts. Plus, Lawrence Fishburne is curiously absent as well, claiming to have never been invited in the first place. It's unclear whether this was some kind of oversight or perhaps if he will make a surprise appearance that's being expertly kept under wraps. But either way, it's clear that The Matrix 4 is setting itself apart from its predecessors in more ways than one.
However it turns out, Ricci's inclusion is definitely a boon to the film. Her seasoned acting career comes with years of excellent performances in many rather unorthodox films, which makes her perfect for such a surreal project. Will it be more like the original than the sequels? Will it be more overt in the transgender allegory seen in the Matrix franchise? Only time will tell. Well, maybe the Oracle knows.
The Matrix 4 is set to premiere in theaters and on HBO Max on December 16th, 2021.
Source: Deadline