‘The Matrix: Resurrections’: Here’s Who’s Returning From the Previous ‘Matrix’ Films (and Who’s Not)
The Matrix Resurrections revives one of the most popular movie franchises in the entertainment industry, which featured many major actors. The original helped propel some of its stars, such as Keanu Reeves, to international stardom. The last time viewers saw Reeves’ character Neo was in 2003 in The Matrix Revolutions. Since then, there has been speculation about whether the franchise was done or a revival was in the works.
Finally, the studio made casting announcements in 2019. However, it took some time for all the roles to receive descriptions. leaving fans to wonder whether they will see their favorite characters or what new faces will be joining the film. Here’s a quick rundown of who is returning from the previous Matrix films and who’s not.
The new franchise actors in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II marks the first pick in the new casting lineup. His casting was announced in October 2019, with rumors heavily implying that he could play a younger Morpheus or his nephew. The Matrix Resurrections confirmed that the Candyman protagonist would appear as the new Morpheus in the upcoming film.
In the trailer, we see Neil Patrick Harris of How I Met Your Mother as Neo’s therapist. Various sites speculate that there might be more to Harris’s therapist character than meets the eye, with Screen Rant speculating that he might be the film’s new human villain.
Jessica Henwick was third in the casting lineup in 2019. She previously played Colleen Wing in Iron Fist; therefore, her role in The Matrix 4 should be action-packed. Fans speculate that Henwick might play the new Neo after Reeves’ character presumably died in The Matrix 3.
Quantico star Priyanka Chopra Jonas also joined the cast in December 2019 in an unnamed role. Although Frozen actor Jonathan Groff’s role in the new film is a mystery, fans theorize that he could play the new Agent Smith.
Family Matters alum Telma Hopkins also joins the cast in an unidentified role with rumors suggesting that she could be playing The Oracle. Director Lana Wachowski also brought in some of her Sense8 cast, including Toby Onwumere, Max Riemelt, and Brian J. Smith, with all their roles still remaining under wraps.
Returning cast members from the previous ‘Matrix’ films
Reeves forms the heart and soul of The Matrix franchise. Though his character Neo died in The Matrix Revolutions for the good of the world, the Oracle predicted that he might return. It seems the prophecy is coming true in The Matrix Resurrections as the John Wick actor reprises his role for the fourth installment of The Matrix franchise.
Reeves also has a companion in his trip back from the dead as Carrie Ann Moss, who famously played Trinity, joins The Matrix Resurrections cast. Trinity’s death in The Matrix Revolutions received criticism as many felt the writers didn’t do her justice. Hopefully, the Disturbia star’s character is redeemed in the upcoming film.
Lambert Wilson will also reprise his role as the Merovingian, the trilogy villain. Although Wilson is yet to be seen in any released footage, fans hope his return will be less villainous.
Several reports also suggest that Jada Pinkett’s Niobe will be returning for The Matrix Resurrections. The Bad Moms star’s character was alive at the end of the trilogy, leaving plenty of room for her character to return.
Bloodsport actor Daniel Bernhardt will also be returning as Agent Johnson.
Prominent actors not returning
Although Morpheus is returning, fans will not see Laurence Fishburne in any capacity. Undoubtedly a crucial figure in the trilogy, he was reportedly didn’t get asked back, which potentially means that the writers took a different route with his character.
However, the showrunners asked Hugo Weaving, Agent Smith, to reprise his role. But the Mortal Engines actor had to turn down the offer due to scheduling conflicts.
