It appears that putting on a huge, ridiculous-looking helmet in a fairly thankless role in “Aquaman” is paying off for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. According to Variety, the actor has moved on from terrorizing Jason Momoa and has entered “The Matrix.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has reportedly landed the lead role in the upcoming “Matrix 4,” according to the outlet. The exact role is still under wraps, but it is said that Abdul-Mateen will star alongside Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss in the upcoming sci-fi/action sequel written and directed by Lana Wachowski.
READ MORE: Keanu Reeves Confirms ‘Matrix 4’ Script Exists & Says The Film Is “Ambitious”
As mentioned, Abdul-Mateen is probably best known for playing the villain Black Manta in the recent billion-dollar-grossing “Aquaman” film, but he’s also had some pretty recognizable roles over the past couple of years, as the actor is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand talents in Hollywood. Previous to “Aquaman,” his biggest roles were in the short-lived Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as films such as “Baywatch,” and “The Greatest Showman.”
Earlier this year, Abdul-Mateen was seen as the father to Lupita Nyong’o’s character in “Us.” And upcoming, he has roles in the films “All Day and a Night,” Jordan Peele’s “Candyman” reboot, and the highly-anticipated Aaron Sorkin film, “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
Unfortunately, the plot of “The Matrix 4” and most details about the film are still under lock and key, but we do know that the film is expected to begin production in early 2020. This means we’ll likely hear about more casting soon. There have been rumors of a Young Morpheus in the film, as well, but again, all that is unconfirmed.