Morpheus himself, Laurence Fishburne, is open to reprising his iconic role in the new Matrix movie, but he has one big condition before he'll plug back in.

TL;DR
  • Laurence Fishburne is considering a return as Morpheus for The Matrix 5, but only if the story is "great" and "makes sense."
  • He wasn't invited back for 2021's The Matrix Resurrections, despite reaching out to director Lana Wachowski.
  • The Matrix 5 is officially in development with Drew Goddard directing, marking the first time a Wachowski isn't at the helm.

Alright, folks, gather 'round! The news about a fifth Matrix movie has been buzzing, and with it, one huge question has dominated the digital airwaves: Will Laurence Fishburne return as the legendary Morpheus?

Good news for fans holding out hope: Fishburne himself just weighed in on the possibility during a recent reunion panel at New York Comic Con. And while he hasn't completely closed the door, he's certainly not jumping back into the digital realm without some serious thought.

The Iconic Mentor's Legacy and His Surprising Absence from the Last Film

For anyone who's ever donned virtual sunglasses or pondered the nature of reality, Morpheus is more than just a character; he's a philosophical guide, a symbol of awakening, and truly one of sci-fi cinema's most iconic figures. Laurence Fishburne brought this role to life with such gravitas and cool in the original 1999 masterpiece, The Matrix, and reprised it in the 2003 sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.

These films, especially the original, aren't just blockbusters; they're cultural touchstones that redefined action, visual effects, and storytelling. They laid the groundwork for so much of what we see in sci-fi and superhero Movies today, including the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Fishburne himself has pointed out. His character, Morpheus, was crucial in guiding Keanu Reeves' Neo to understand the truth of his simulated reality.

So, when The Matrix Resurrections hit theaters in 2021, fans were understandably surprised — and a little heartbroken — that Fishburne wasn't part of the reunion. Instead, a new, younger iteration of Morpheus was portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Well, Fishburne finally shared the scoop on why he was absent from that fourth installment.

He revealed at NYCC that he actually "reached out" to Lana Wachowski, who directed Resurrections solo, expressing his interest in returning. But, as he put it, "It just didn't pan out. I said 'Thank you very much,' and Lana [Wachowski] said, 'Thank you very much, I'll think about it,' and that was that." It seems his offer wasn't picked up, and so, the original Morpheus stayed out of that particular chapter.

Laurence Fishburne's Conditions for Returning to the Matrix Universe

Now, with Warner Bros. confirming The Matrix 5, the question of Fishburne's return is back on the table. And his answer? It's as thoughtful and measured as Morpheus himself.

"It depends on, you know, how good it is, really. If it's great, then yeah. You know, if it makes sense. I don't know if it makes sense."

— Laurence Fishburne at New York Comic Con

This isn't just about a paycheck for Fishburne; it's about respecting the legacy of a franchise he helped build. He's made it clear that any return would need to match the quality and purpose of the original films, ensuring the story truly warrants his involvement.

All the Latest Updates on What We Know About The Matrix 5 So Far

So, what exactly is happening with The Matrix 5? Here's the rundown:

  • Announcement: Warner Bros. officially confirmed plans for The Matrix 5 in April 2024.
  • Director & Writer: This is a big one! Drew Goddard, known for films like The Martian and Cabin in the Woods, is set to write and direct the new installment.
  • Wachowski Involvement: This film marks the first time in the franchise's history that neither Lana nor Lilly Wachowski will be in the director's chair. However, Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer, so her vision will still be part of the process.
  • New Perspective: Warner Bros. Motion Pictures boss Jesse Ehrman mentioned that Goddard came to them with a "new idea" that they believe will "continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters."
  • Expected Returns: While no official casting announcements have been made, Keanu Reeves (Neo) and Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) are widely expected to reprise their iconic roles. As for Fishburne's Morpheus? That's still TBD!

Essentially, Warner Bros. is looking to expand the mythology with a fresh voice while still staying true to the groundbreaking origins.

A Look Back at the Box Office Journey of The Matrix Film Series

The Matrix franchise has had quite a journey at the box office, reflecting varying critical receptions for each installment:

  • The Matrix (1999): A smash hit! It earned an impressive $467 million worldwide and received widespread acclaim for its revolutionary effects and storytelling. It's often cited as one of the most influential movies of its time.
  • The Matrix Reloaded (2003): This sequel continued the financial success, grossing a massive $741 million worldwide. Critically, however, it began to divide audiences and critics with its denser narrative.
  • The Matrix Revolutions (2003): Released in the same year as Reloaded, it pulled in $427 million worldwide. It concluded the original trilogy but also faced mixed reviews, often criticized for its complex plot.
  • The Matrix Resurrections (2021): After nearly two decades, the fourth film underperformed significantly at the box office, bringing in only $159 million worldwide. Despite this, it garnered some praise for its meta-commentary and the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss.

With The Matrix 5, the studio is clearly hoping to reignite the franchise's commercial and critical fire, building on its storied legacy.

The Matrix's Enduring Influence and Fishburne's Current Projects

Beyond the box office, the cultural impact of The Matrix is undeniable. Fishburne himself passionately articulated this at NYCC, saying, "There’s no movie that comes after The Matrix that’s a sci-fi action or fantasy movie that’s not been influenced by it. It’s everywhere. It’s so pervasive you almost forget where it came from at this point. Now, people don’t realize, but no The Matrix, no MCU. It [just] doesn’t look the same." That's a powerful statement, and it really highlights how groundbreaking the original film was.

Interestingly, Fishburne also revealed his favorite sequel: "While many fans cite The Matrix Reloaded as their favorite sequel for its legendary highway chase sequence, Fishburne admitted his heart belongs to The Matrix Revolutions." He cited the moments where a blinded Neo sacrifices himself for humanity as particularly impactful. This insight gives us a peek into the kind of storytelling he values within the universe.

Even without Morpheus on his plate for a while, Fishburne has kept busy with a diverse and impressive career. You've seen him recently in major hits like John Wick: Chapter 4, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The School for Good and Evil. So, he's definitely not lacking for great projects.

Will Morpheus Guide Us Once More in The Matrix 5? Only Time Will Tell

As The Matrix 5 develops under Drew Goddard's direction, all eyes will be on those casting announcements. Will the script be "great" enough? Will it "make sense" for Laurence Fishburne's Morpheus to step back into the virtual world? His comments reflect a profound respect for the character and the groundbreaking franchise, suggesting he'll only return if it truly serves the story.

For now, fans can only wait and hope that the stars align and the script for The Matrix 5 is compelling enough to entice the original Morpheus back into the fold. Imagine the possibilities if he were to return alongside Neo and Trinity! We'll be keeping our ears to the ground for any new updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laurence Fishburne and The Matrix 5

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Here are some quick answers to common questions about the future of the Matrix franchise and Laurence Fishburne's potential return:

  1. When was The Matrix 5 officially announced? Warner Bros. confirmed plans for The Matrix 5 in April 2024.
  2. Who is directing The Matrix 5? Drew Goddard, known for his work on films like The Martian, will write and direct The Matrix 5. This marks a new era for the franchise, as it's the first installment not directly helmed by the Wachowski sisters, though Lana Wachowski is an executive producer.
  3. Did Laurence Fishburne want to be in The Matrix Resurrections? Yes, he did! Fishburne revealed at New York Comic Con that he "reached out" to director Lana Wachowski about reprising his role for The Matrix Resurrections, but ultimately, he was not invited back for the film. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II played a different version of Morpheus in that movie.
  4. What other movies has Laurence Fishburne been in recently? Laurence Fishburne has had a very active career! Recent notable roles include the Bowery King in John Wick: Chapter 4, Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and the School Master in The School for Good and Evil.

Sources

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  • ScreenRant
  • Variety
  • NJ.com
  • MovieWeb
  • Collider
  • Complex
  • Comic Book Resources (CBR)