‘The Matrix 4’: Here’s What Convinced Keanu Reeves To Return For The New Sequel
Keanu Reevesis everywhere these days. With the actor enjoying a career resurgence thanks to theJohn Wickfilms and a string of charming cameos, you would think that Reeves would be too busy to take a trip down memory lane. But lo and behold, Reeves is returning to not one, but two, major properties that helped launch him to fame. But it’s more than nostalgia that brought Reeves back to theMatrixseries. Reeves explained exactly why he has returned inThe Matrix 4, 17 years afterThe Matrix Revolutionsseemingly wrapped up the sci-fi trilogy.
In an interview withEmpire, Reeves explained that once he readLana Wachowski’s “beautiful” script, he had to come back to star inThe Matrix 4:
“Lana Wachowski wrote a beautiful script and a wonderful story that resonated with me. That’s the only reason to do it. To work with her again is just amazing. It’s been really special, and the story has, I think, some meaningful things to say, and that we can take some nourishment from.”
Lana and Lily Wachowski seemed to have achieved everything they set out to do with the groundbreaking sci-fi action trilogy ofThe Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded,andThe Matrix Revolutions. What more story could you tell for Neo (who died inRevolutions)? At least one more film’s worth – and one that brings back other major characters, withCarrie-Ann Mossalso returning as Trinity. In the Empire article, Moss agreed with Reeves' praise of the script, adding that though she was surprised that a fourthMatrixfilm could be made, she jumped at the chance to return.
“I never thought that it would happen,” Moss said. “It was never on my radar at all. When it was brought to me in the way that it was brought to me, with incredible depth and all of the integrity and artistry that you could imagine, I was like, ‘This is a gift.’ It was just very exciting.”
The Matrix 4is being directed by Lana Wachowski, who co-wrote the script with David Mitchell and Aleksandar Hemon. Original franchise cast members Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, andJada Pinkett Smithare all set to return, with new cast members includingPriyanka Chopra,Jessica Henwick,Neil Patrick Harris,Toby Onwumere,Brian J. Smith,Eréndira Ibarra,Andrew Caldwell, andYahya Abdul-Mateen II. There’s still no word if original series starLaurence Fishburneis coming back, and rumor has it that Abdul-Mateen is playing a younger version of Fishburne’s character Morpheus. Beyond that, plot details remain a secret.The Matrix 4is still set for aMay 21, 2021release date.
