Laurence Fishburne, the iconic actor known for his role as Morpheus in the original "Matrix" trilogy, recently opened up about his absence from the fourth installment of the franchise, "The Matrix Resurrections." During an appearance on "The View" on April 3, 2025, Fishburne revealed that he had actively sought to reprise his role but was ultimately turned down by the film's producers.
Fishburne, now 63, expressed his disappointment, stating, "I offered my services to the fourth ‘Matrix,’ and they didn’t respond well to that. It’s not like I didn’t say, ‘I’d like to offer my services.’ I did. For whatever reason, that didn’t happen. Okay. But that’s the truth. And so, we’ll see [about the future]." His comments shed light on the mystery surrounding his absence, which left many fans puzzled.
In the 2021 film, while Keanu Reeves returned as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss reprised her role as Trinity, Fishburne's character was notably missing. Instead, viewers were introduced to a new version of Morpheus, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. This modernized character was an AI program that emerged from Neo's mind, blending elements of Morpheus and Agent Smith. The decision to exclude Fishburne's Morpheus has raised eyebrows, particularly since the character's death was canonically established in the "Matrix Online" game series, which the Wachowskis approved.
Fishburne's absence from "The Matrix Resurrections" was initially attributed to a lack of invitation from the filmmakers. However, he clarified that he was indeed interested in returning. His comments come after a period of speculation regarding the future of the franchise, especially with the recent announcement of a fifth film in development.
Warner Bros. confirmed in April 2024 that a fifth "Matrix" movie is in the works, with Drew Goddard set to direct. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, as it will be the first film without a Wachowski directing. Lana Wachowski will serve as executive producer, but the absence of her and her sister Lilly in the director's chair has left some fans apprehensive about the film's direction.
Fishburne remained hopeful about the possibility of returning for the fifth installment, stating, "It depends on the circumstances, who is involved, how well the script has been written, if they offer me [a part]." His willingness to consider a return indicates that he has not completely closed the door on the franchise, despite his previous disappointment.
In a previous interview with Variety, Fishburne had expressed a measured view of "The Matrix Resurrections," saying, "It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and it wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be." He acknowledged the performances of his co-stars, praising Reeves and Moss for their roles, but his own absence from the film left a lingering question mark.
Fans of the franchise are left speculating about the potential for Fishburne's return in future films. The character of Morpheus holds a significant place in the hearts of fans, and many believe that his presence is essential to the franchise's identity. However, the narrative complexities introduced in "The Matrix Resurrections"—including the character's death in the online game—complicate the possibility of his return.
As the film industry evolves, the legacy of the "Matrix" franchise continues to spark conversations about its impact on cinema. The original trilogy, released between 1999 and 2003, changed the landscape of science fiction films, blending groundbreaking visual effects with thought-provoking philosophical themes. The first film alone grossed $171.5 million domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of its time.
Despite the mixed reception of "The Matrix Resurrections," which earned only $37.7 million on a $190 million budget, the franchise remains a cultural touchstone. Fans are eager to see how the story will continue, especially with a new creative team at the helm.
As for Fishburne, he continues to pursue new projects, with his upcoming thriller "The Amateur" set to premiere in theaters on April 11, 2025. While his future in the "Matrix" franchise remains uncertain, his contributions to the series have left an indelible mark on the genre.
In summary, Laurence Fishburne's candid remarks about his exclusion from "The Matrix Resurrections" highlight the complexities of franchise filmmaking and the challenges of maintaining continuity in beloved series. With the announcement of a fifth film, fans are left wondering if they will ever see the return of Morpheus and what direction the franchise will take under new leadership.
