Skip to main content

The Matrix Resurrections continues to build on the mythology of the original trilogy. Fans around the world are putting together various theories to make sense of where filmmaker Lana Wachowski took this iconic sci-fi universe. One intriguing fan theory about The Matrix Resurrections suggests that The Analyst is actually The Archivist, which explains his abilities and motivations.

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from The Matrix Resurrections.]

Who is The Analyst in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’?

'The Matrix Resurrections' Neil Patrick Harris as The Analyst sitting in a chair with a journal and blue glasses
Neil Patrick Harris as The Analyst | Warner Bros. Pictures

The Matrix Resurrections takes place years after The Matrix Revolutions. Neo (Keanu Reeves) now lives a seemingly normal life and goes by the name Thomas A. Anderson. He’s the world’s most famous game designer who is instantly drawn to a woman named Tiffany (Carrie-Anne Moss) but doesn’t recognize her as Trinity.

Thomas sees The Analyst (Neil Patrick Harris) to help contain his “hallucinations” and “delusions.” He provides him with blue pills to help. The Analyst is later revealed as the film’s antagonist and has a strong understanding of human psychology. He usurped The Architect and uses his power to control humans within the Matrix.

Neil Patrick Harris’ The Analyst is actually The Archivist

One Redditor shared a fan theory of The Matrix Resurrections that The Analyst isn’t quite who he says he is. The post suggests that the sequel doesn’t show the real Matrix at all, but is “a museum of the Matrix.” The Redditor shares several reasons to support this theory.

The Matrix Resurrections explains that The Analyst doesn’t use agents, but Neo is working on a modal to upskill these agents. This would also explain why the modal frequently shows footage from the first movie, similar to a museum exhibition.

The Redditor suggests that the humans in this Matrix aren’t real humans, but activatable swarms that The Analyst takes advantage of in The Matrix Resurrection‘s climax.

Neo escaping the Matrix doesn’t bother The Analyst because it’s essentially a replay of the original film. It’s a giant loop that continues to repeat Neo’s story of freeing his mind. Even when Neo believes that he’s won, it’s all a part of The Analyst’s grand design.

The Matrix Resurrections repeats “bullet time” and shows The Analyst himself activate it. The Redditor points to its similarity to a looped recording, allowing the antagonist to manipulate time. The program’s limitations hold Neo in check and don’t allow him to die or push beyond barriers.

‘The Matrix Resurrections’ budget and box office

Related

‘The Matrix Resurrections’ Fan Theory Suggests 2 Versions of the Matrix Actually Exist

The Matrix Resurrections takes full advantage of its special effects, even though it has less action than its predecessors. Collider reported that The Matrix Resurrections cost around $190 million to make. However, it only earned $100 million at the worldwide box office. That’s quite a gap that the movie still must overcome.

However, all hope isn’t lost. The Matrix Resurrections still has yet to hit China, which is certain to give the movie a boost. However, the movie is also seeing success in its day-and-date release on the streaming platform HBO Max.

The Matrix Resurrections is now playing in theaters and on HBO Max.

Best in Entertainment