When The Matrix Resurrections was announced, fans across the world were eager to see the return of familiar characters. Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity were confirmed early on, building anticipation for a nostalgic and modern continuation of the iconic sci-fi saga.
But as trailers dropped and details emerged, one name was noticeably absent: Laurence Fishburne, the actor who brought the legendary character of Morpheus to life in the original trilogy. His absence puzzled audiences and raised one major question — why isn’t Laurence Fishburne in The Matrix Resurrections?
Morpheus: A Core Figure in the Matrix Mythology
In the original Matrix trilogy, Morpheus is not just another supporting character — he is the philosophical and emotional backbone of the story. As a leader of the human resistance, Morpheus believes unwaveringly in Neo as “The One.” His faith drives much of the narrative momentum in the first film and serves as the ideological contrast to the cold logic of the Matrix’s machine overlords.
Laurence Fishburne’s portrayal of Morpheus is both iconic and irreplaceable in the minds of many fans. His commanding voice, stoic presence, and impassioned delivery elevated the character from mentor figure to cultural symbol.
So when The Matrix Resurrections debuted in 2021 without Fishburne — and instead introduced a younger version of Morpheus played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II — many were left wondering: was this a creative decision, a scheduling conflict, or something deeper?
Fishburne Confirms He Wasn’t Asked Back
In a 2020 interview with New York Magazine, Laurence Fishburne directly addressed his absence from the new film. His statement was clear:
“I have not been invited. Maybe that will make me write another play. I wish them well. I hope it’s great.”
There were no signs of conflict or tension, but the message was undeniable — Fishburne wasn’t involved because he simply wasn’t asked.
This revelation ruled out theories of personal scheduling conflicts or contract disputes. Instead, it pointed to a deliberate creative choice by director Lana Wachowski and the production team to move in a different direction with the character.
The In-Story Explanation: Morpheus Is Dead (Sort Of)
In The Matrix Resurrections, the absence of the original Morpheus is explained within the film’s narrative, albeit indirectly. According to in-universe lore — much of which is hinted at rather than shown — the original Morpheus died sometime after the events of The Matrix Revolutions.
However, the new Morpheus portrayed by Abdul-Mateen II is not exactly the same character. He’s a synthetic program created within a simulation by a version of Neo. This program merges elements of Morpheus and Agent Smith — essentially representing an evolution of the idea of Morpheus, rather than the return of the man himself.
While this concept fits within the flexible metaphysics of the Matrix universe, it left many viewers feeling conflicted. Was this hybrid-Morpheus a respectful homage or a jarring replacement?
A Shift in Themes and Identity
One key reason for reimagining Morpheus may lie in the thematic goals of Resurrections. The original trilogy was built around binaries: real vs. artificial, control vs. freedom, choice vs. fate. The new film, however, leans into fluidity, transformation, and the redefinition of identity.
By introducing a new Morpheus, the film reinforces the idea that characters — like reality itself — are not fixed. They can be reprogrammed, reimagined, and reinterpreted. Abdul-Mateen’s Morpheus is self-aware of his constructed nature and embraces it. His arc is not about belief in Neo, but about discovering his own autonomy within a world built on code.
From a storytelling perspective, this thematic shift provided justification for recasting the role. From a fan perspective, however, the emotional resonance of Fishburne’s original portrayal remains difficult to replace.
Creative Control and Lana Wachowski’s Vision
Another aspect to consider is the creative direction taken by Lana Wachowski, who directed The Matrix Resurrections solo, without her sister and co-creator Lilly Wachowski. The new film leans heavily on meta-commentary, self-reference, and a more introspective tone. It’s less about rebellion and action, and more about reflection and reinvention.
Bringing back the exact same version of Morpheus might have conflicted with this new direction. Instead of a literal continuation, Resurrections offers a remix — familiar pieces rearranged into a new narrative structure. This approach allowed Lana Wachowski to comment on nostalgia while resisting its constraints.
In that light, reimagining Morpheus could be seen as an intentional way to push boundaries rather than repeat past formulas.
A New Generation of Performers
Casting Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the new Morpheus also reflects a broader trend in Hollywood: the blending of legacy with reinvention. Abdul-Mateen is an acclaimed actor, known for roles in Watchmen, Aquaman, and Candyman. His casting brings fresh energy and a different interpretation to the role.
Rather than imitating Fishburne’s performance, Abdul-Mateen creates a Morpheus who is more playful, more flamboyant, and more conscious of his constructed origin. It’s a performance that aligns with the film’s themes, even if it lacks the gravitas and emotional weight of the original portrayal.
Some viewers embraced this change, appreciating the new dynamic. Others felt it distanced the film from the emotional roots of the trilogy. The divide highlights how tightly fans associate certain characters with specific actors — and how difficult it is to separate performance from legacy.
Could Laurence Fishburne Return?
Despite his absence in Resurrections, Fishburne has not closed the door on returning to the franchise. The world of The Matrix remains fluid, where death is rarely permanent and digital echoes linger. If future installments or spin-offs are developed, there’s still room for Fishburne’s Morpheus to appear, perhaps as a memory, program fragment, or alternate reality version.
Given the franchise’s increasing exploration of simulation theory and digital resurrection, Fishburne’s Morpheus could easily reenter the story without violating continuity.
Whether audiences will see that reunion depends on many factors — including the film’s reception, box office performance, and future creative decisions by Warner Bros. and the Wachowskis.