In The Matrix trilogy, Laurence Fishburne delivered what many feel is an iconic, unbeatable performance as Morpheus. However, the uber-talented Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is set to take on the role in The Matrix Resurrections and, given his past work, we're sure he'll do an amazing job.
Entertainment Weekly recently spoke to the actor about picking up where Fishburne left off, and the Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom star made it clear he doesn't plan to do an imitation.
"Laurence already did what had to be done," Abdul-Mateen II explains. "I think what the script provided was a new narrative and some new opportunities that did make room within the Matrix universe for a new Morpheus." The site asked if The Matrix video game - which is considered canon - affected his performance in any way, especially as the character died there. However, he made it clear that it didn't and he'd "be bullsh*tting" if he said otherwise.
"This is definitely a different iteration of the character," the actor continued. "I play a character who's definitely aware of the history of the Matrix [and] the history of Morpheus. This character is on a journey of self-discovery. There's a lot in our story that's about growth, defining your own path. Morpheus isn't exempt from that."
"What the viewers will come to understand is that there are many rules of the Matrix," Abdul-Mateen II teases. "Age, appearance, the things we identify as real, can be manipulated in that world. The Matrix is where anything is possible."
Needless to say, we're definitely curious to see where this story goes, but it does sound as simple as Morpheus getting a new, younger body (Fishburne has said he wasn't asked to return). It's hard to imagine Abdul-Mateen II will do anything other than a stellar job in the role, though, so this character is no doubt in safe hands. You can get a new look at him in the stills below.
The Matrix Resurrections is set to be released in theaters and on HBO Max on December 22.