Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is confirmed to be playing a young version of Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections. Morpheus is a character originally portrayed by actor Laurence Fishburne in the first three Matrix films and plays a pivotal role in the franchise. He is a leader in the human resistance and the captain of the Nebuchadnezzar, a ship used in the apocalyptic future to help rescue people from The Matrix. Morpheus himself was rescued from The Matrix and is dedicated to the protection of Zion, the last human city on Earth. He is also the strongest believer in Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, whom he rescues and believes is "the one" who can save humanity.
The Matrix Resurrections is the fourth film in The Matrix franchise, with original director Lana Wachowski returning to write and direct. Returning cast members include Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss with newcomers Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Ricci, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Jonathan Groff joining the franchise. The full plot is unknown at this time, but it looks to pick up where things left off in The Matrix Revolutions, released in 2003.
With the release of The Matrix Resurrections trailer today comes more info about the film, including an Instagram post from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, announcing that he is, in fact, playing a younger version of Morpheus in the sequel. With Laurence Fishburne seemingly absent from the sequel and the impact of Morpheus on the series being unmistakable, the announcement makes it clear that the character is back. Abdul-Mateen II shared an image featuring the same likeness of Morpheus in the previous films, including the circular sunglasses, and put "MORPHEUS" in the description. Check out his post below:
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been making a name for himself of late, stacking one high-profile project after another onto his resume. His first big role came in the form of Netflix's The Get Down and then with the supervillain role of Black Manta in Aquaman and then the superhero role of Cal Abar/Doctor Manhattan in HBO's Watchmen series. He recently starred in the Candyman remake from director Nia DaCosta, as well as a part in 2020's The Trial of the Chicago 7. Abdul-Mateen II is now inhabiting the classic role of Morpheus for The Matrix Resurrections and will return as Black Manta in Aquaman and The Last Kingdom, as well as parts in Michael Bay's Ambulance and George Miller's Mad Max prequel, Furiosa.
It would be hard to ignore Morpheus in a fourth Matrix film and with Laurence Fishburne not inhabiting the role, it makes sense to recast. Abdul-Mateen II's fame is on the rise and he's a perfect choice to play a younger version of the character, as he's displayed his prowess in numerous high-profile projects already. While it's disappointing not to see the original trio of Reeves, Moss, and Fishburne together again, The Matrix Resurrections appears to be rewriting a lot of "code" in terms of how things have played out since audiences last saw these characters. Either way, Abdul-Mateen II is an inspired choice and is sure to leave his own mark on the franchise that will both honor and emulate Fishburne's version of Morpheus.
Source: Yayha Abdul-Mateen II
