Laurence Fishburne on The Matrix 5: Morpheus' Return Depends on the Script

Morpheus himself, Laurence Fishburne, just weighed in on a potential return to The Matrix universe for the upcoming fifth film, and it all comes down to a really great script that makes perfect sense.

TL;DR

Laurence Fishburne is open to reprising his iconic role as Morpheus in The Matrix 5, but only if the script is "great" and the story truly "makes sense" for his character.
He was not asked to return for The Matrix Resurrections (2021), despite reaching out to director Lana Wachowski about his interest.
The Matrix 5 is officially in development with Drew Goddard writing and directing, marking the first time a Wachowski sibling isn't at the helm, though Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer.

Alright, sci-fi fans, gather 'round! The Matrix, that mind-bending, reality-questioning saga that redefined cinema, is stirring once more. And right at the heart of it, the man who first offered us the red or blue pill, Laurence Fishburne, has just dropped some major hints about whether we'll see his version of Morpheus plugged back into the system for the upcoming The Matrix 5.

Speaking at a reunion panel for The Matrix at New York Comic Con 2025 over the weekend, Fishburne didn't hold back when asked about revisiting his legendary character. His answer? It’s not a simple yes or no. For a role as iconic as Morpheus, who guided Neo through the labyrinthine truths of his simulated reality, the circumstances have to be just right.

The Legendary Mentor Morpheus and His Cinematic Legacy

Before diving into the future, let's take a moment to appreciate the gravitas and wisdom Laurence Fishburne brought to Morpheus. From his first appearance in the groundbreaking 1999 film, Morpheus quickly became one of science fiction’s most memorable figures. He wasn't just a leader; he was a philosopher, a mentor, and a beacon of hope in a world designed to deceive.

Fishburne reprised the role in 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, completing what many fans consider a truly influential trilogy in modern cinema. His portrayal solidified Morpheus as an enduring symbol of rebellion and enlightenment, a character whose impact resonates far beyond the screen.

Why Morpheus Was Absent from The Matrix Resurrections

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Long-time fans will remember that Fishburne's Morpheus was conspicuously absent from 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. Instead, audiences were introduced to a new, younger iteration of the character, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. This casting choice left many wondering why the original Morpheus didn't return.

Fishburne himself shed light on this at NYCC, revealing that his absence wasn't by his own design. He actually reached out to director Lana Wachowski about being part of the fourth film. “I reached out,” Fishburne confirmed. “It just didn’t pan out. I said, ‘Thank you very much,’ and Lana said, ‘Thank you very much, I’ll think about it,’ and that was that.” Ultimately, he wasn't invited back.

This history makes his current stance on The Matrix 5 all the more interesting. Having been left out of the last installment, his condition for returning now highlights the importance he places on the narrative integrity and quality of the story.

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

— Laurence Fishburne, on returning as Morpheus for The Matrix 5

A New Vision for The Matrix Franchise with Drew Goddard

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So, what's cooking for The Matrix 5? Well, get ready for a significant shift! Warner Bros. announced in April 2024 that screenwriter Drew Goddard (known for films like The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods) will write and direct the new Matrix film. This is a pretty big deal, as it marks the first time in the franchise’s history that neither Lana nor Lily Wachowski will be in the director’s chair.

Lana Wachowski will still be involved as an executive producer, which is good news for maintaining some continuity with the original creators' vision. Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures president of production, expressed enthusiasm for Goddard's fresh take, stating that Drew "came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to 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.”

This new creative direction is precisely why Fishburne’s comments about the script’s quality and "making sense" are so pertinent. With a new voice at the helm, the potential for a radically different story is high, and a revered actor like Fishburne clearly wants to ensure it respects the legacy he helped build.

The Enduring Cultural Impact of The Matrix Universe

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Beyond his personal involvement, Fishburne also reflected on the profound influence of The Matrix during the NYCC panel. He highlighted how the original film reshaped action and sci-fi cinema, pioneering techniques like "bullet time" and setting new standards for visual effects and action choreography.

“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,” Fishburne asserted. “It’s everywhere. It’s so pervasive you almost forget where it came from at this point. Now, people don’t realize, but no Matrix, no MCU. It [just] doesn’t look the same.”

This powerful statement underscores the film’s monumental impact, suggesting that its innovative spirit paved the way for entire cinematic universes like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For a franchise with such a deep and lasting influence, any new installment, especially one bringing back an original icon, carries immense expectations.

What About Neo and Trinity? Potential Returns for Other Core Characters

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Of course, Morpheus isn't the only character fans are wondering about. Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity are equally central to The Matrix's heart. While some reports suggest they are "slated to be a part of the project," other official statements indicate that their return has "not been announced." This leaves their involvement somewhat up in the air, similar to Fishburne’s position.

Given that both Reeves and Moss reprised their roles in The Matrix Resurrections, their return would certainly provide a sense of familiarity and continuity for fans, especially as the franchise embarks on a new directorial journey. However, like Fishburne, one would hope their return would also be driven by a compelling story that truly advances their characters' arcs.

The box office performance of the previous films also plays a role in these decisions. The original 1999 film was a massive success, earning $467 million worldwide. Its sequels, Reloaded and Revolutions, also performed well, grossing $741 million and $427 million respectively, though critics were more divided on their complex narratives. The Matrix Resurrections, however, underperformed with $159 million worldwide, despite some praise for its meta-commentary.

This mixed financial reception means The Matrix 5 needs to hit hard, both creatively and commercially. A return of beloved original cast members, under the right conditions, could be a key ingredient to recapturing audience excitement.

Can The Matrix 5 Craft a Story That Makes Sense for Everyone?

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The big question now is whether Drew Goddard’s new vision for The Matrix 5 can craft a story that not only honors the franchise's rich legacy but also creates a compelling reason for Laurence Fishburne's Morpheus to return. After a different version of the character appeared in Resurrections, integrating the original Morpheus would require clever writing and a deep understanding of the mythology.

Fishburne's condition isn't just about getting a paycheck; it's about preserving the integrity of a role that he helped make iconic. His "if it makes sense" clause is crucial. It suggests that any return would need a narrative justification that feels earned and truly adds to the expansive Matrix universe, rather than simply being fan service.

The future of The Matrix hangs in the balance, with a new director, uncertain cast returns, and the high bar set by its own revolutionary past. But one thing is clear: if Laurence Fishburne does decide to take that red pill again, it'll be because the script is so undeniably great, it simply has to happen.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Matrix 5 and Morpheus

Who is directing the new Matrix film, The Matrix 5?

Drew Goddard, known for his work on films like The Martian and The Cabin in the Woods, is set to write and direct The Matrix 5. This is the first main installment in the franchise not directed by Lana or Lily Wachowski, though Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer.
Why wasn't Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix Resurrections?

Laurence Fishburne revealed that he reached out to director Lana Wachowski about returning for The Matrix Resurrections but was ultimately not invited back for the film. A new, younger version of Morpheus was portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in that movie.
Are Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning for The Matrix 5?

The official word on Keanu Reeves' and Carrie-Anne Moss's return for The Matrix 5 is currently unclear. While some reports anticipate their involvement, Warner Bros. has not yet made a formal announcement regarding their casting.
What are Laurence Fishburne's conditions for returning as Morpheus?

Laurence Fishburne stated he would consider returning as Morpheus if the script is "great" and if his involvement "makes sense" within the story. He is prioritizing the quality and narrative justification of a potential comeback.