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4 Questions Regarding Fourth MATRIX Film

The Mysterious Sequel...

By Robert TapaltsyanPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Turns out the rabbit hole is deeper...

To be honest, I’ve always thought the Matrix trilogy ended on a satisfying note. Of course many viewers preferred the original as a standalone feature, but I was awe-struck by the scale and - dare I say - emotional weight of the sequels. Surprisingly though, we’re getting a new entry later this year, and I’ve got four burning questions.

You know who that is?

But first, let’s do a brief retrospect. Matrix is a cyberpunk martial-arts film series about Neo (Keanu Reeves), who discovers the world he’s inhabiting is a computer simulation. After breaking from his “bonds” and acquiring superhuman abilities, he sets out to save what’s left of humanity from a destructive AI in a dystopian future. Neo succeeds at the cost of his own life, as well as several closest to him, but is set to return in the upcoming installment…Wait, what?

1. How Is Neo Still Alive?

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

It’s yet to be confirmed, but the rumored title for the fourth movie is The Matrix Resurrections. Seems rather appropriate, considering that several returning players were previously killed off. Now, I like Keanu Reeves. His performance as the character of Neo was key to the trilogy’s success. But his demise in the previous entry seemed definitive. Judging by the on-set photos of Reeves, it looks like the actor’s role in part four is quite substantial. My guess is either of the following:

(a) Neo’s consciousness was permanently transferred. After making his final stand against the sinister Agent Smith and securing victory for his friends, Neo resides in the now-rebooted simulation; possibly with his powers still intact.

(b) It’s a different version of the character. Perhaps the new system houses someone who looks just like Neo, but is nonetheless very important.

Reeves (left) and Carrie-Anne Moss (right) spotted on set of Matrix 4 in San Francisco

It’s worth mentioning that Reeves isn’t confirmed to be the lead. Whichever of the two is correct, we’re looking at the possibility that he’ll serve as a mentor to a new protagonist. And speaking of mentors…

2. …Where Is Morpheus?

Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus in The Matrix (1999)

Laurence Fishburne isn’t listed as a cast member, and has already dismissed rumors that he’s secretly involved. Hopefully, he’s just deflecting attention! For starters, Morpheus actually survives the events of the third film, so his comeback would make more sense than Neo’s. But also, his performance in the trilogy is too memorable to exclude from future entries. When I think of The Matrix, the iconic pill scene always comes to mind. It’s an important moment, and that subdued performance behind those round shades is what sells it.

Choice is a key theme throughout the series.

Now whether or not Fishburne actually returns, I’ve reason to think we’ll get a separate version of Morpheus. Looking back on the last film, his reaction, “Is this real?” over Neo’s achievement serves two functions:

(a) It conveys both the melancholy and relief of the audience watching.

(b) It echoes Neo’s naivety in the first film; the student has become the mentor, and the mentor has become the student.

Perhaps the second is a hint for what’s to come. Another rumor yet to be confirmed is that the upcoming sequel will utilize time travel. If that’s the case, we may see a young Morpheus taking center stage with Neo guiding him…Whoa!

3. Who’s The Baddie?

The many faces of Hugo Weaving in The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

The essence of a mentor is to prepare the student for the many obstacles along the journey. In the Matrix trilogy, one obstacle presented itself in the form of Agent Smith, brilliantly portrayed by Hugo Weaving.

By the end of the third film, one character states that the peace between humans and the machines will last as long as it can. I’ve always interpreted this to be everlasting; but if it’s short-termed, then what conflict could possibly arise from Neo’s sacrifice?

If the threat is once again personified, then at the very least I’m rooting for a scene-chewing performance on par with Weaving. As it turns out, he was offered a chance to reprise his role, but due to scheduling conflicts couldn’t participate, forcing the character to be written out (probably just a cameo).

(4) How Will The New Film Reflect Today’s Society?

The visuals in the series have always been top-notch.

When The Matrix came out in 1999, it tapped very well into the anxieties of the time. The internet was in its infancy, and the hacking culture was relatively new. Thus, the imagery of an agent taking control of a human body in a matter of split seconds seemed terrifying. Not to mention the wide use of phone booths played a large role in the transferring of consciousness from one world into another.

Well, so much has happened over the past twenty years, and it remains to be seen how the new movie will resonate with today’s viewers. Perhaps the writers found a way to tap into the social media craze, or the increasingly prevalent topic of global warming. Whichever topic is addressed, I hope it somehow informs the mystery villain’s diabolical plans, and presents our heroes with a greater challenge.

All will be revealed once Matrix 4 is released on December 22, 2021.

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About the Creator

Robert Tapaltsyan

I talk about movies and shows on my YouTube Channel, "Bob's Viewing Aventures", and I also share my thoughts on here.

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