We’re still not fully convinced a fourth Matrix movie featuring the original cast is actually going to make it to the big screen. The idea seems so improbable it feels equally possible this is merely a glitch in the system, and when the machines work out the kinks they’ll erase all talk of it from our memories. But until we know for sure we’re not organic batteries powering an advanced simulation, we’re going to treat the film like it’s real. Especially considering the latest exciting casting news, as Aquaman breakout star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has signed on for a starring role opposite Neo and Trinity themselves.
According to Variety, Abdul-Mateen II, who (ahem) made a splash as the charismatic and imposing villain Black Manta in 2018’s Aquaman, “has landed one of the lead roles” in the next Matrix. The movie, which surprised almost everyone when it was announced this past August, will see the return of both Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss. Abdul-Mateen II is not only the first newcomer to be attached to co-star alongside them, he’s only the third actor attached to the project period. While his specific role is still unknown, previous rumors said Warner Bros. was looking for someone to play a young Morephus in the film. Justin Kroll who broke the story says he has received conflicting information about whether that is who Abdul-Mateen II will play, but at minimum it sounds like the 33-year-old, who was also in Us, will have a familial connection to the character who freed Neo originally.
So in regards to who he will be playing, while I was originally told this would be for a young Morphius, sources close to the project would not confirm with one adding it would be inaccurate to say that.
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) October 9, 2019
Variety also reports Lana Wachowski, who after creating and directing the original trilogy with her creative partner and sibling Lilly is relaunching the franchise solo, had “been meeting with actors for the secret role over the last week and in recent days.” While little is known about the film’s plot or when it will be set in the Matrix universe (though we do have our own theory about both), secret meetings means we shouldn’t be shocked to hear more casting news soon.
While another film starring Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss is not what we ever expected, Warner Bros. has been trying to reboot the franchise for years. The series, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first Matrix earlier this year (yeah, it’s okay to feel old after reading that), earned nearly $600 million at the global box office alone and has proven to be one of the most influential films of the last two decades.
Warner Bros.
And if the the fourth Matrix ends up being as much fun as Aquaman, it could also end up being one of thew two best films in the franchise.
The still untitled fourth Matrix movie, which Lana Wachowski will co-write with Aleksandar Hemon (Love Island) and David Mitchell (the novel Cloud Atlas), is scheduled to come to theaters sometime in 2020.
Featured Image: Warner Bros.
