The Real Reason Hugo Weaving Isn't In The Matrix Resurrections

Deadpan and deadly in equal amount, Hugo Weaving's straight-faced Steward of the Machines in "The Matrix" really is an icon of true villainy. Agent Smith is a nasty piece of programming that, like it or not, the original trilogy would be lost without. Seeing Keanu Reeves' savior of humanity slowly turn the tables on Weaving's antagonist never gets old, and was something any fan of the franchise would hope to see again in the upcoming "Matrix Resurrections."

Sadly, that doesn't look to be the case for the eagerly-anticipated film set to arrive next month. Even though the OG leading pair, Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, are back to reprise their roles, Weaving won't be there to join them. It's something that was never intended that way either, as the former agent has spoken out about his absence in the new film and sounded genuinely cut up about not being a part of it.

Speaking to Collider about his place in the franchise and his lack of it in "Resurrections," Weaving revealed that he'd even gone as far as talking with the director, Lana Wachowski, about suiting up as Smith once more, and was very excited to do so.

"Lana was very keen for me to be a part of [The Matrix 4]," said Weaving. "I really wanted to because I'm very, very fond of all of them. I had some initial reticence about the idea of going back to revisit 'The Matrix' after having already done three films, but then I read the script and got an offer to my agent. I immediately responded yes to that, and then we went into negotiation."

Unfortunately, the timing didn't work for the film and its villain, much to Weaving's disappointment. "I was doing a play, at the time, but we were working out dates and things so that I could do both," he admitted. "And then, Lana decided that she didn't wanna change her dates, so I couldn't do it. In a nutshell, that's what happened." It's always a shame when that classic bug issue of scheduling conflicts gets in the way. Seeing Neo square off against Smith again would be like a modern-day Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader. But the question remains — who will be the new adversary to the film's seemingly forgotten freedom fighter?

Following the trailer's release, there's been no confirmation of who will be the new threat to those that aren't plugged into The Matrix. While there have been glimpses of Agent activity in the preview, one prime suspect is Neil Patrick Harris' character known simply as The Analyst. Sat talking to Neo in the preview, his blue glasses (the same color as the pill to keep you in the Matrix) suggest he may be helping restrain Neo from what we know him to be capable of.

There's also "Mindhunter" star Jonathan Groff, briefly seen sitting across from our hero discussing his return to "The Matrix." While his role is still unknown, it's worth noting that in his office from the trailer, an actual replica head statue of Agent Smith after a punch to the face can be seen in the background. Could Groff be an updated program of Neo's old foe? We'll just have to wait until December 24 to find out.