Laurence Fishburne has expressed cautious openness about reprising his role in the Matrix universe, centering on the possibility of a meaningful return. Known for portraying Morpheus, the mentor who guided Neo (Keanu Reeves) in the groundbreaking 1999 film, Fishburne’s involvement would depend heavily on the quality of any future project.
Iconic Role and Previous Appearances
Fishburne first brought Morpheus to life in The Matrix, a sci-fi phenomenon that redefined the genre. He reprised this role in 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, completing a trilogy that remains influential among audiences and critics alike. These films showcased his character as a composed, philosophical guide, solidifying his impact on the franchise’s legacy.
Current Stance on Returning to the Franchise
Speaking at New York Comic Con, Fishburne indicated his openness but also hesitation about taking part in upcoming Matrix projects. He emphasized that any decision would depend on the project’s greatness and coherence. In his exact words, he stated,
“It depends on, you know, how good it is, really. If it’s great, then yeah. You know, if it makes sense. I don’t know if it makes sense.”
Laurence Fishburne’s comments reveal a deep consideration for the franchise’s lasting significance rather than a simple desire to reprise his part.
Developments in The Matrix Franchise Since Resurrections
Nearly four years after the release of The Matrix Resurrections in 2021, Fishburne’s Morpheus was notably absent from the latest installment. Directed by Lana Wachowski, who co-created the original trilogy, the fourth film revisited Neo and Trinity’s journeys while exploring complex themes like identity, memory, and renewal. Despite mixed critical and commercial results, it brought the core characters back to the screen but did not include Fishburne.
Upcoming Matrix Sequel and New Direction
In April 2024, Warner Bros. announced plans for a fifth Matrix film, naming Drew Goddard, director of The Martian, as its helmsman. This marks the first time the Wachowski sisters will not be involved in directing the franchise, signaling a fresh creative direction. Details remain scarce, but Fishburne’s possible participation remains a subject of speculation, weighing his remarks on quality and meaningfulness.
The Legacy and Future of Fishburne’s Morpheus
While the Matrix series has enjoyed varying degrees of box office success—the original earned $467 million worldwide and became a critical hit—subsequent sequels drew polarized responses. The Reloaded and Revolutions films collectively grossed over a billion dollars worldwide but fragmented critical opinion with their complex storytelling, and Resurrections underperformed financially while receiving a mixed critical reception.
Outside the Matrix, Fishburne has sustained a versatile career, appearing in high-profile projects such as John Wick: Chapter 4, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The School for Good and Evil. His remarks about returning suggest a desire to honor the franchise’s powerful impact on audiences and respect the original story’s integrity.
Whether Morpheus reenters the Matrix remains uncertain, but Fishburne’s legacy within the franchise endures as a defining element of the sci-fi genre. His cautious approach reflects the tension between evolving a beloved story and preserving what made it remarkable.
