Laurence Fishburne Reveals Why He Didn’t Return for ‘Matrix Resurrections’

NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 — Laurence Fishburne confirmed he was not invited to return as Morpheus in the 2021 film ‘The Matrix Resurrections.’ During an appearance on ‘The View,’ Fishburne disclosed that he had offered his services for the role but received a negative response from the project team.

“I offered my services to the fourth ‘Matrix,’ and they didn’t respond well to that,” Fishburne said. He refrained from identifying who on the team had opposed his casting. The sequel was directed by Lana Wachowski and featured Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprising their roles as Neo and Trinity, respectively. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II took on a different version of Morpheus, which Fishburne originally portrayed in the 1999 film.

Fishburne, who has been part of all three previous Matrix films, expressed disappointment, noting, “For whatever reason, my casting in the 2021 sequel didn’t happen.” He also indicated that he remains open to being part of a possible fifth installment, stating, “It depends on who was involved, how well the script has been written.”

The next film in the franchise is set to be directed, written, and produced by Drew Goddard, known for his work on ‘The Cabin in the Woods.’ Lana Wachowski will serve as executive producer. Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures President of Production, emphasized the studio’s excitement over Goddard’s vision for the new film, which aims to both honor the original creators and present a fresh perspective.

Goddard expressed his admiration for the Matrix series, stating, “It is not hyperbole to say ‘The Matrix’ films changed both cinema and my life. Lana and Lilly’s work inspires me on a daily basis, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world.”

No casting announcements for the new film have been made thus far. Fishburne had previously revealed in 2020 that he was not “invited” to return for ‘Resurrections,’ stating, “That’s the truth.” Despite the circumstances, Fishburne continues to collaborate with Reeves in the ‘John Wick’ franchise, and though his character’s fate appeared uncertain in ‘John Wick 4,’ his involvement in the next film has not been ruled out.