Yahya Abdul-Mateen II teased playing a new, different iteration of Morpheus for The Matrix Resurrections.
The first trailer for The Matrix Resurrections blew the internet away, uniting everyone in the hope to decipher the promotional footage’s cryptic secrets. While the trailer was filled with jaw-dropping moments, one of the biggest surprises came from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s character, who eerily resembled Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus. Fishburne had previously stated that he wasn’t asked to return as the iconic actor.
Shortly after the trailer was released, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II confirmed that he was, in fact, playing Morpheus, which sparked dozens of theories. Now, in a recent chat with EW, Mateen II teased his new take on the character, revealing that his version of Morpheus is “aware” of The Matrix (EW italicized ‘Matrix’, implying that Mateen II’s character is “aware” of the film, in addition to the program) and Fishburne’s take on the character.
“I play a character who’s definitely aware of the history of the Matrix [and] the history of Morpheus. This character is on a journey of self-discovery. There’s a lot in our story that’s about growth, defining your own path. Morpheus isn’t exempt from that.”
So, is Mateen II playing a younger version of Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus? Or is this a brand new take on the rebel? The actor dropped a bombshell, revealing that he’s playing a brand new version of the character.
“This is definitely a different iteration of the character.”
How exactly does a new, younger Morpheus fit into the world of The Matrix Resurrections? Yahya Abdul-Mateen II didn’t tell, though he teased that the upcoming sequel will evolve some of the rules of The Matrix.
“What the viewers will come to understand is that there are many rules of the Matrix. Age, appearance, the things we identify as real, can be manipulated in that world. The Matrix is where anything is possible.”
When asked about how he feels about replacing Laurence Fishburne, Mateen II’s discussed how he has nothing but respect for the iconic actor and teased how a new Morpheus directly informs the fourth entry in the sci-fi franchise.
“Laurence already did what had to be done. I think what the script provided was a new narrative and some new opportunities that did make room within the Matrix universe for a new Morpheus.”
Directed by Lana Wachowski from a script she co-wrote with Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchel, The Matrix Resurrections stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Toby Onwumere, Eréndira Ibarra, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Henwick, Priyanka Chopra, Andrew Caldwell, and Brian J. Smith.
The Matrix Resurrections is currently set to hit theaters and HBO Max on December 22, 2021. Stay tuned for all the latest news on the upcoming film and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content.
Source: EW
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