When you think of “The Matrix” and the most memorable characters, there are really four that immediately come to mind. You have Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne. And while we know that the first two are set to appear in the upcoming sequel, the latter two won’t. In the case of Weaving, it’s a scheduling conflict. But in the case of Fishburne, as he explained to New York Magazine (via The Wrap), it’s because he was never asked.
As you might expect, Fishburne was asked why he wasn’t set to appear in the upcoming “Matrix 4.” And while he doesn’t have much of an answer as to what the status of Morpheus is, he knows that he’s not going to be in the film because Lana Wachowski never asked him to appear.
“I have not been invited. Maybe that will make me write another play. I wish them well. I hope it’s great,” Fishburne explained.
But even though he’s not involved in the new film, the actor is aware of the impact that “The Matrix” had on his career.
“It is probably the role that I’ll be best remembered for, which is great; it’s not the only thing I’ll be remembered for, which is better,” he said. “What I get with him is I’ve got Darth Vader in this hand, and I’ve got Obi-Wan in that hand. I’ve got Bruce Lee, I’ve got Muhammad Ali shuffled in there, and I’ve got kung fu.”
Obviously, there’s no reason given as to why Fishburne wasn’t “invited” to the sequel. You would assume that there is a reason why Morpheus won’t be joining Neo and Trinity in the upcoming feature. Early rumors and speculation said that there would be a Morpheus in the film, with an actor playing a young version of the character. If that’s the case, then it’s clear why Lana Wachowski went with a new actor versus trying to de-age Fishburne. Or maybe there’s another reason entirely.
Basically, we won’t know anything until “The Matrix 4” arrives in theaters on April 1, 2022. So, we still have plenty of time to discuss and debate. Enjoy!