The Matrix Resurrections writer on recasting Morpheus in fourth instalment

The character was played by Laurence Fishburne in the first three films while Yahya Abdul-Mateen II essays the role in the new film.

The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth instalment in the Matrix franchise, took fans on a nostalgia ride by bringing back some much loved fan favourites. But not all characters returned in the same form that they started with, the most striking among them being Morpheus. Although the character had been essayed by Laurence Fishburne in the first three films, the new instalment saw Yahya Abdul-Mateen II take on the iconic role. Aleksandar Hemon, who co-wrote the new film, recently opened up about the reasons behind the recasting.

In conversation with Gizmodo, Hemon revealed that the plan to introduce a new Morpheus had always been in the works. The writer also talked about how Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, who reprise their roles as Neo and Trinity respectively, were critical elements to the film without whom the movie would not have been possible.

Hemon also talked in length about how uncertainties and contingencies were part and parcel of the filmmaking process. As an example, he talked about how the first script for The Matrix Resurrections had included a part written for a specific actor. But as filming went underway, the character had to be dropped, although the move did not result in any drastic change in the story.

Previously Fishburne had talked about how the filmmakers had not ‘invited’ him to reprise his role as Morpheus in the film.

In addition to Morpheus, Sati and Agent Smith were two other characters who have been recast in the new film, in which they are portrayed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Jonathan Groff respectively.

The Matrix Resurrections, directed by Lana Wachowski, is now playing in theatres.

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