New reveals regarding The Matrix Resurrections could prove the theory that the film's new version of Morpheus is linked to the machines. With the fourth film in the Matrix franchise arriving in theaters in December 2021, audiences are still asking questions about the sequel's mysterious plot. One of the biggest sources of curiosity and theorizing is the character of Morpheus, who will be played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the new film.
In the original The Matrix from 1999, Morpheus (played by Lawrence Fishburne) acted as both a figurehead for the human resistance in the real world and a guide for Neo (Keanu Reeves) as he came to understand his powers and responsibilities as The One. It was Morpheus who found Neo, unplugged him from the Matrix and believed in his prophesied role in ending the war against the machines. As a reward for his faith, Morpheus was the last of the iconic trio of himself, Neo and Trinity still standing after the final battle to save the human race took place.
While Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has confirmed he will indeed be inheriting the role of Morpheus for The Matrix Resurrections, the exact nature of the role is still being kept secret The trailer revealed Morpheus definitely knows who Neo is and appears to be trying to help him and Trinity. However, several key moments from the preview also hint at a deeper connection between Morpheus and the machines, leading to the popular theory that Morpheus is a program designed to trick Neo. Now, new comments from Abdul-Mateen II about his portrayal and Morpheus' "journey of self-discovery" might have confirmed that theory.
In a recent interview for EW, Abdul-Mateen II had this to say about Morpheus in the sequel: "I play a character who's definitely aware of the history of the Matrix [and] the history of Morpheus…" He also describes Morpheus as a "character... on a journey of self-discovery," and states that much of the story of The Matrix Resurrections deals with "growth" and "defining your own path." While this statement could be interpreted in several ways, one angle could be the idea of Abdul-Mateen II's Morpheus not being the real Morpheus at all, but rather a program designed by the machines to act like him and keep both Neo and Trinity trapped within the simulation.
Abdul-Mateen II's Morpheus comments could also hint at another part of this theory: the possibility that this Morpheus-like program could break free of the machine's control, assume the memories and identity of Morpheus and forge his own destiny independent of what he was designed for. The idea of "defining your own path" and going on a "journey of self-discovery" could involve this new Morpheus defying the machines to help Neo and Trinity, or perhaps it's this liberated version of the character that eventually tracks down and saves the trapped minds of his former friends. Whatever the case, seeing the story of this new iteration of Morpheus unfold could be a highlight of The Matrix Resurrections.
