Laurence Fishburne Expresses Uncertainty About Returning as Morpheus in 'The Matrix 5'
The buzz surrounding a new installment in the iconic "Matrix" series has stirred excitement, but it has also raised some eyebrows. Recently, it was announced that Drew Goddard, known for his work on "The Martian," will be stepping in to direct the next film, taking over the reins from the original creators, Lana and Lily Wachowski. With this news, Laurence Fishburne, who famously portrayed Morpheus, shared his mixed feelings about the possibility of reprising his legendary role.
While speaking during a reunion panel for "The Matrix" at the New York Comic Con in 2025, Fishburne candidly stated, "It really depends on the quality of the film, honestly. If it’s exceptional, then sure, I’d be eager to be involved. But I’m unsure if it’s even the right fit." His hesitation highlights a crucial aspect that many fans may overlook: the importance of a compelling narrative.
Fishburne recounted his attempts to reconnect with the Wachowskis about returning for the previous sequel, "The Matrix Resurrections." However, his outreach did not lead to an invitation to take part in the project. "I reached out to them," Fishburne explained, “but in the end, it didn’t work out. I expressed my gratitude, and Lana responded positively, saying she would consider it, but that was where it concluded."
During the same panel, which was skillfully moderated by Josh Horowitz from the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, Fishburne and his co-star Joe Pantoliano reminisced about the film's profound impact and how their characters, Morpheus and Cypher, have remained relevant even two decades after the movie's release. When the discussion shifted to the influence of "The Matrix" on upcoming filmmakers, Fishburne offered a thought-provoking perspective: "There’s no sci-fi action or fantasy film that has come out after 'The Matrix' that hasn’t drawn inspiration from it. Its influence is so widespread that it’s easy to forget its origins. And let’s be clear: without 'The Matrix,' the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would not look like it does today."
This statement invites a compelling conversation. Would you agree with Fishburne’s assertion? What are your thoughts on the legacy of "The Matrix" in shaping modern cinema? With the announcement of a new film, how do you feel about the direction of the series without the original creators at the helm? We’d love to hear your opinions—share your thoughts in the comments!
