The Matrix 4 actor teases different tone to the original and the answer to Morpheus’ recasting

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Abdul Yahya-Mateen II on The Matrix: Resurrections question we're all asking

Morpheus in The Matrix 4
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Morpheus actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has teased more of The Matrix: Resurrections in a new interview, suggesting it’ll have a different tone to the original trilogy. He also added that we need to be patient about the Morpheus recasting situation: answers are coming.

"Tonally, it’s a bit different," Abdul-Mateen told GQ after the slightly more playful, funnier style we witnessed in the first Resurrections trailer was brought up in conversation.

Something else that’s wildly diverting from the originals is that of Morpheus. Once played by Laurence Fishburne, the character – or a version of his character – will appear in The Matrix: Resurrections played by Abdul-Mateen.

"The character’s called Morpheus," Abdul-Mateen clarified, in case there was ever any doubt. "It will make sense when it comes out."

Fishburne isn’t the only original character who isn’t making a comeback. Hugo Weaving confirmed there were talks to bring back Agent Smith – but it couldn’t work with his schedule.

That’s not to say the link to the past is definitively broken in The Matrix: Resurrections. Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) are back, while fans think they’ve spotted an aged-up character from The Matrix’s sequels in the first trailer for Resurrections.

Take the red pill and follow us down the rabbit hole: here’s the complete Matrix recap to get you ready for Resurrections. For more from December’s stacked schedule, check out our guide to movie release dates.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.