The Matrix series has long been both celebrated and scrutinized for its sequels following the original 1999 groundbreaking cyberpunk film by the Wachowski sisters. While the first film is widely regarded as a milestone in cinema, the follow-up movies released in 2003 — The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions — faced mixed reactions. At New York Comic Con 2025, Laurence Fishburne, known for his iconic role as Morpheus, revealed that his favorite sequel is actually The Matrix Revolutions, a choice that may surprise fans who often favor the action-packed Reloaded.
The Matrix Sequels and Their Place in Film History
After nearly two decades, the franchise continued with Lana Wachowski directing The Matrix Resurrections in 2021, with key original cast members Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning. However, Fishburne and Hugo Weaving did not reprise their roles, marking a notable absence. The fourth movie expanded the universe’s scope but received divided opinions, unlike the original that set the tone for countless sci-fi and fantasy action films that followed. Fishburne’s remarks at the panel shed light on why he values Revolutions despite its often criticized aspects.
What Makes The Matrix Revolutions Stand Out to Fishburne
During the discussion moderated by Josh Horowitz, Fishburne pointed to specific story elements in Revolutions that resonated with him personally. He highlighted Neo’s resilience after being blinded and his ability to navigate his environment despite the injury, as well as the journey he and Trinity make to the city of machines. These narrative choices added depth to the plot, distinguishing it from its predecessor that is typically praised for its action sequences.
“We knew we were involved in something that was groundbreaking,”
Fishburne stated, reflecting on the lasting impact The Matrix series has had across genres and generations of filmmakers.
He further emphasized the franchise’s influence by stating,
No Matrix, no MCU, It doesn’t look the same.
This remark underscores The Matrix’s role as a forerunner that shaped the visual and storytelling style of major cinematic universes that followed, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars.
The Legacy of Visual Effects and Storytelling Innovation
The Matrix Revolutions played a significant role in advancing the franchise’s visual effects, featuring digitally created environments such as the Machine City and the mechanical Sentinels attacking Zion. Although some of these effects may not have aged perfectly, they contributed to pushing the boundaries of digital filmmaking at the time. These innovations influenced the growing sophistication of effects seen in modern films.
The Broader Impact of The Matrix Trilogy’s Completion
Despite critiques aimed at Reloaded and Revolutions, completing the story arc of the initial trilogy helped cement The Matrix as a foundational series within Hollywood’s evolving focus on franchise storytelling. The mix of impressive moments and ambitious worldbuilding laid groundwork that encouraged the industry’s shift toward lucrative, long-term cinematic universes. The continued interest in the franchise, highlighted by a legacy sequel nearly twenty years later, speaks to its enduring appeal and influence.
