The Beloved Character Fans Hope Returns In The Matrix Resurrections

Nearly two decades after the release of "The Matrix Revolutions," Lana Wachowski is preparing to give audiences the red pill once more with the "The Matrix Resurrections." Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss are reprising their iconic roles of Neo and Trinity and they will be joined by a promising ensemble of newcomers to the franchise that includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jonathan Groff, and Christina Ricci.

While everybody is talking about who may make a surprise appearance in the fellow holiday season release "Spider-Man: No Way Home," there has also been quite a bit of buzz regarding who could possibly be included in the starry cast of the fourth "Matrix" film. Other returning faces, such as Jada Pinkett Smith's character Niobe, have been confirmed for the movie, while some franchise veterans have been surprisingly absent from the cast list. One missing name, in particular, has fans upset at the prospect that one of the series' most iconic stars may not be coming back.

Although Keanu Reeves' Neo is the protagonist of the franchise, Laurence Fishburne's Morpheus is one of the most recognizable figures from "The Matrix." His iconic black cloak, sunglasses, and his intimating presence have made him a fan-favorite character. Morpheus will return in "The Matrix Resurrections," but not as we have come to know him. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will be taking on the role, and as noted by IndieWire, it seems that his version of Morpheus may actually be a different character altogether. 

In an interview with Vulture, Fishburne was asked whether or not he would show up in the fourth installment. "No. I have not been invited," he revealed. "Maybe that will make me write another play. I'm looking for the blessing in that. I wish them well. I hope it's great."

Fans on r/matrix expressed some disappointment that audiences are unlikely to see Fishburne return as the original Morpheus, although some suggested that it might be for the best. User u/yrh_lh commented, "Well, the positive thing is that the film won't be overstuffed with 'special appearances of iconic characters.'" Despite that positive spin, they still concluded, "I still can't help but feel a bit bummed about this, though."

User u/Callofapple123 was also let down by Fishburne's supposed absence from the film. They simply wrote, "Man this is some straight bull****."

There's always a possibility that the new Morpheus will transform into the original, but for now, we'll just have to wait and see when the film releases in theaters and on HBO Max on December 22.