Very little is known about what exactly is going to happen in The Matrix 4 but now we know one of its new stars.
Variety reports that the very busy Yahya Abdul-Mateen II — who played Black Manta in Aquaman and Adelaide’s father in Us, and will soon be seen in HBO’s Watchman and as the new Candyman — has just landed a lead role in the sequel. Keanu Reeves and Carrie Anne-Moss were previously reported to return while original trilogy co-creator, Lana Wachowski, is co-writing and directing.
According to the trade, there’s no word on which role Abdul-Mateen will be playing, though there was some talk of a young Morpheus role potentially being part of the film. It could be that or he could be a brand new Agent, a new version of the Architect, a new member of Neo and Trinity’s crew — anything is possible really, especially in this universe. All that’s being reported is it’s a “lead role” and Wachowski had been meeting with actors for a few weeks before honing in on Abdul-Mateen.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/08/lana-wachowski-is-helming-the-matrix-4-with-keanu-reeves-and-carrie-anne-moss-returning/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/proecci0wdx1zpzg1ke8.jpg” title=”Lana Wachowski Is Helming The Matrix 4, With Keanu Reeves And Carrie-Anne Moss Returning” excerpt=”Time to grab your pleather pants and hack into some robots, because The Matrix is back, baby. Variety has revealed that The Matrix co-creator Lana Wachowski will write and direct a fourth film in the series, with original series stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss set to return as Neo and Trinity.”]
No matter what the role though, he’s an absolutely excellent choice. Simply looking at that list of noteworthy performances in the last year, and the upcoming year, shows his incredible range. Abdul-Mateen can stand up to Jason Momoa in terms of charisma and presence, or be as menacing as Tony Todd as a horror icon, and it seems he’s getting more in-demand as the days go by.
The Matrix 4, which almost certainly won’t be the title, is expected to start filming in early 2020. That could mean a 2021 or 2022 release, depending on what kind of new visuals Wachowksi has in store for audiences this time.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/09/updates-from-the-matrix-4-crisis-on-infinite-earths-and-more/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/w4c28cfweyoskp80ixxi.png” title=”Updates From The Matrix 4, Crisis On Infinite Earths And More” excerpt=”Production has wrapped on the Quiet Place sequel. Ruben Fleischer teases the zombie types of Zombieland: Double Tap. Keanu Reeves teases the plans for Matrix 4. Plus, get another spooky glimpse of the CW’s Nancy Drew, and more familiar faces could return for Crisis on Infinite Earths. Spoilers, away!”]