Laurence Fishburne has revealed he would consider returning as Morpheus for the new Matrix movie, but his decision hinges entirely on the quality of the project. The actor stated his return “depends on how good it is, really” during a recent public appearance, expressing some uncertainty about whether revisiting the role makes sense for the story.
This potential homecoming is complicated by the fact that Fishburne was notably absent from the most recent series installment, despite his interest in returning at that time. With a fifth Matrix film now in active development, all eyes are on whether the original Morpheus will guide a new generation through the rabbit hole.
The Future of Morpheus
During a New York Comic Con 2025 panel that reunited cast members from the original film, Laurence Fishburne directly addressed the possibility of putting on Morpheus’s trench coat once more. He explained his conditional willingness to return, stating plainly:
“It depends on how good it is, really. If it’s great, then yeah, if it makes sense.”
The actor immediately followed this with a note of skepticism, adding, “I don’t know if it makes sense.” This hesitation reflects the significant changes the franchise has undergone since his last appearance as the character in the original trilogy.
Fishburne’s relationship with the role has evolved. For The Matrix Resurrections, the 2021 sequel, he actively reached out to director Lana Wachowski about reprising his iconic character. He confirmed, “I reached out. It just didn’t pan out. I said ‘Thank you very much.’ And Lana said, ‘Thank you very much, I’ll think about it,’ and that was that.” The role of Morpheus ultimately went to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who portrayed a new version of the character.
A New Director Takes the Helm
The fifth Matrix film represents a major shift for the franchise, marking the first time a movie will not be directed by a Wachowski sister. Warner Bros. has entrusted the project to Drew Goddard, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of The Martian and director of The Cabin in the Woods.
Lana Wachowski, who co-created the original trilogy and directed Resurrections, will remain involved as an executive producer. In an official statement, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures president of production Jesse Ehrman said Goddard approached the studio with “a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters.”
Goddard himself acknowledged the profound impact the films have had, stating, “It is not hyperbole to say ‘The Matrix’ films changed both cinema and my life.” The project is currently in early development, with no confirmed release date.
An Enduring Cultural Impact
At the New York Comic Con panel, Fishburne and co-star Joe Pantoliano reflected on the lasting legacy of the 1999 original film. When discussing its influence on contemporary cinema, particularly within the sci-fi and action genres, Fishburne did not mince words.
“There’s no movie that comes after ‘The Matrix’ that’s a sci-fi action or fantasy movie that’s not been influenced by it,” he asserted. “It’s everywhere. It’s so pervasive you almost forget where it came from at this point.”
He went even further, directly linking the film’s groundbreaking visual language to today’s biggest film franchise: “Now, people don’t realize, but no ‘The Matrix,’ no MCU. It just doesn’t look the same.”
Other Franchises on the Radar
While his future with The Matrix remains uncertain, Fishburne has clearly expressed interest in joining another major sci-fi universe. During the same convention panel, he openly pitched himself for a key role in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe reboot of the X-Men.
“I know that they’re talking about the X-Men now,” Fishburne said. “So, at this point, I want one of two things. The first thing would be: what do you think about Laurence Fishburne as Professor X?”
This contrasts sharply with his feelings about another major franchise. When suggested as a potential addition to the Star Wars universe, the actor swiftly declined, joking, “I’m good on the couch with Star Wars. I don’t need a lightsaber.”
An Uncertain Return to the Simulation
As development on the new Matrix film continues, major questions about the cast remain unanswered. Warner Bros. has not confirmed whether Keanu Reeves or Carrie-Anne Moss will return as Neo and Trinity. Reeves previously stated that his own return would be contingent on an invitation from Lana Wachowski, saying, “If she invites me again, I’m in.”
With the Wachowskis stepping back from directing and Drew Goddard bringing his own vision to the project, the future direction of the franchise is poised for transformation. Laurence Fishburne’s conditional openness leaves the door slightly ajar for Morpheus to return, but only if the script can convince him that the story is worth telling.
Also Read: Keanu Reeves Reacts to ‘The Matrix’ Red Pill Metaphor, Calling It ‘Doesn’t Sound That Great’
