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More than 20 years have passed since Keanu Reeves entered The Matrix for the first time. The science fiction action film convinced worldwide audiences that we are all trapped inside a simulated reality.

The fourth installment of the highly-successful dystopian franchise, The Matrix: Resurrections, will premiere in theaters and HBO Max on December 22, 2021.

While fans are excited about picking up where Neo (Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) left off, they can’t help but notice one glaring mistake, leaving them to wonder how the upcoming film will play out.

Going back into ‘The Matrix’

The Matrix trilogy featured the original movie and The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, with both films released in 2003.

The three movies revolve around artificial intelligence that captures humanity, imprisoning them in a virtual reality known as “The Matrix.” As their bodies are farmed as energy sources, Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) searches for “The One,” who has superhuman abilities and can put an end to the ongoing war.

In the last installment, the battle of humans versus machines rages on while Neo meets his demise. As the title of the upcoming film implies, Neo is brought back to life in The Matrix: Resurrections. 

Esquire claims the storyline will follow the main character “as he makes the ultimate decision to complete the mission.”

What Lawrence Fishburne has to say about Morpheus being recast

While fans are thrilled to find out Neo will be resurrected, with Reeves reprising his role, they can’t figure out why Fishburne won’t be returning as Morpheus. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will be taking over the iconic role made popular by Fishburne in all three installments, plus the video game that followed.

Indiewire reported that, in the trailer, the new Morpheus is seen offering Neo a red pill or blue pill, as was the case in other films. He is also wearing the trademark round mirrored glasses that fans believe belonged solely to Fishburne.

Abdul-Mateen II told British GQ that just because he is “playing a character named Morpheus doesn’t mean it’s the Morpheus fans know and love.”

Screen Rant reported that the new Matrix movie follows the sequence of the first film, with the story of Morpheus being a central focal point of the newest installment. They claim Abdul-Mateen II’s character may be a younger version of Morpheus, thus the need to recast the role.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Fishburne graciously said, “I have not been asked to join them, which is fine. I am hopeful that it will be wonderful and it will satisfy audiences and that people will love it.”

Are producers missing an opportunity to bring Fishburne back?

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Some fans believe a video game is to blame for why Fishburne will not be reprising his role as Morpheus. His character died in Matrix Online, an interactive game that followed the trilogy. Since the game was a continuation of the storyline, it is plausible his death will be part of the new movie, although many believe that is not the reason he will not be returning.

Critics and fans alike believe producers are missing a huge opportunity by not bringing Fishburne back. Not only is his character central to the storyline of the entire franchise, but the star is also famous for his other work, such as Apocalypse Now and Hannibal.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fishburne said that while Morpheus “is probably the role that I’ll be best remembered for, which is great; it’s not the only thing I’ll be remembered for, which is better.”

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