Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is going to be playing the iconic role of Morpheus in the upcoming Matrix sequel. Warner Bros.' The Matrix Resurrections will have a younger version of Morpheus than the one played by Laurence Fishburne.
Some fans are conflicted about not be seeing Fishburne returning in The Matrix 4 considering Neo and Trinity are both coming back, with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss reprising the roles. However, the one silver lining is that the film did cast the talented Abdul-Mateen II, who has been on an impressive run in recent years. The actor starred in projects such as Us, Candyman, Watchmen, Black Mirror, DC Films' Aquaman, and even the Get Down. The actor is often credited for bringing depth to his roles, so many shouldn't be surprised when he does well in the upcoming Matrix sequel.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Abdul-Mateen II said, "Laurence already did what had to be done... I think what the script provided was a new narrative and some new opportunities that did make room within the Matrix universe for a new Morpheus." The actor went on to clarify aspects of the upcoming film, saying, "This is definitely a different iteration of the character... I play a character who's definitely aware of the history of the Matrix [and] the history of Morpheus. This character is on a journey of self-discovery. There's a lot in our story that's about growth, defining your own path. Morpheus isn't exempt from that." Other than that, Abdul-Mateen II had little to say about the storyline or what his version of Morpheus will be up to in The Matrix Resurrections.
The actor went on to say that fans of the film will soon learn the rules of The Matrix. "Age, appearance, the things we identify as real, can be manipulated in that world. The Matrix is where anything is possible," he said. The Matrix can be seen as a tool only limited by the mind of the user. The way people perceive themselves, what they can do, and how they can do it are only limited by the mind. It's a complex component of the story that will hopefully be explained when the film comes out in December.
The Matrix would also make a great role-playing game considering the story has similar elements. The machine allows appearance-changing, super-enhanced abilities, and the development of new abilities. Neo has grown over the course of the franchise's storyline and served as the savior during the original trilogy.
As far as the plot goes, it's unclear if The Matrix 4 will have to start Neo back at 'square one' in order to re-learn his techniques, and it's also unclear if Trinity is really Trinity. Fans will have to wait until the winter to understand what's really going on in this world when The Matrix 4 premieres.
The Matrix Resurrections is coming to theaters and HBO Max on December 22nd, 2021.
Source: Entertainment Weekly