The Time Travel Theory That Could Explain How Neo Is Alive In The Matrix Resurrections
As the zeros and ones come falling closer and closer to our screens with the arrival of "The Matrix Resurrections," so, too, do the theories trying to figure out what is going on with the upcoming installment. Why doesn't Neo (Keanu Reeves) remember who he is? Why does Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) look younger but Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) considerably older in the latest "Resurrections" trailer? Why does Barney from "How I Met Your Mother," aka Neil Patrick Harris, look shifty as he plays therapist? To paraphrase Neo's former mentor, we're beginning to believe ... this is all absolutely nuts.
Of course, as with every movie in "The Matrix" franchise, along with the gunplay, kung-fu, and philosophical chit-chat between shooting up buildings, a fan theory is never far away. In the case of "Resurrections," ideas are coming in from every direction ahead of the film's release. There are some potential suggestions that as bonkers as they may sound, just might hold up under scrutiny. Naturally, as with any explanation that needs a whiteboard, red string, and a Charlie Day meme-look of mania, one crucial element that often pops up in fan theories is that golden nugget of explanation: time travel.
It's a matter of time for The Matrix
As wild as it may seem to include this often used sci-fi plot point, time travel could be just as believable as a world ruled by machines bent on quelling the human resistance — worked for "The Terminator," didn't it? This particular idea spawns from one crucial bit of info we've yet to confirm — when does "The Matrix Resurrections" actually take place?
Given that some of Neo's old friends are looking considerably younger or older than when we last saw them, could there have been some timeline tampering to call Neo back into action? A theory from Screen Rant suggests that Morpheus may yank his thought-to-be-savior from the past into the future where the Machines have continued to reign supreme. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) may have also been brought along for the ride, explaining why the two are integral to restoring balance and humanity's freedom.
It's certainly one to file under 'so crazy it just might work' plot points. But given this is a franchise that saw humanity used as living batteries, and Keanu Reeves doing his 'Superman thing,' anything, really, is possible. We'll have to find out when The One returns in "The Matrix Resurrections" on December 22.