Matrix Resurrections References Trilogy In Ingenious Ways, Says Co-Writer

The Matrix Resurrections co-writer David Mitchell reveals that the new film makes reference to its predecessors in “ingenious” ways. The fourth installment of the franchise is scheduled for release on December 22. Helmed by Lana Wachowski, this latest addition to the acclaimed sci-fi franchise continues almost 20 years after The Matrix Revolutions. Keanu Reeves reprises the iconic hero, Neo, who appears in San Francisco with no recollection of the events of the previous films.

Carrie-Anne Moss also stages a return as Trinity, who similarly appears with no memory of her former life with Neo. A recently released promotional poster teased the pair’s reunion in an image very reminiscent of the 1999 original film. While the new promotional material provides hints at what the new storyline could entail, certain aspects appear fully reimagined. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is offering a fresh take on a young version of Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus, cryptically assuring that their iterations were connected but different and that his role would “make sense” after the film’s release. Also new to the franchise is Jessica Henwick as Bugs, accompanied by Jonathan Gross, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra Jones, and Christina Ricci, each of whom will fill new but unspecified roles.

Speaking more about the upcoming installment with To Vima (via Showbiz CheatSheet), co-writer Mitchell revealed that the film would make some “ingenious” references to its predecessors. Calling the new picture “autonomous” Mitchell added that it pays homage to the three films which came before it. Though he was careful not to reveal any specific plot details, he promised that Matrix Resurrections “subverts the rules of blockbusters.” Check out Mitchell’s full statement below:

“I saw the film in Berlin in Septmber. It’s really good. I cannot tell you what this film is about, but I could explain what it is not. It’s certainly not yet one more sequel, but something autonomous that contains however the three Matrix that preceded in a really ingenious way. It’s a very beautiful and weird creation. It also achieved a couple of things that we do not see in action films, meaning it subverts the rules of blockbusters.”

A shroud of secrecy has surrounded the new Matrix film since its official announcement in 2019. Despite setbacks and delays caused by COVID-19 and even some suggestion that Wachowski entertained the idea of leaving the film unfinished, Matrix Resurrections has miraculously avoided spoilers and maintained its narrative mystery. Indeed, given the very reality-warping nature of the films, and the blatant return of previously deceased characters, it still seems difficult to predict what the new story will bring.

Though the promise of an “autonomous” new entrant to the franchise potentially suggests a unique storyline capable of standing on its own, Mitchell’s comments also promise an appropriately complex connection to its predecessors. The Matrix Resurrections trailers certainly suggest that the tone and style of the film will be highly reminiscent of the older installments, though castmates like Abdul-Mateen have hinted that it will differ. Exactly how Wachowski has opted to reference the previous films narratively is yet to be seen, though fans don’t have long to find out. The Matrix Resurrections arrives in theatres and HBO Max on December 22.

Source: To Vima (via Showbiz CheatSheet)