The Matrix Resurrections ends with a cover of Rage Against The Machine's song "Wake Up," the song that played at the end of The Matrix in 1999 - here's who covers it and why. The new film from Director Lana Wachowski brings back much of what made the original series famous, such as, most notably, the stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, wild action sequences, and a twist on "bullet-time" that makes the old somehow feel new again. It all adds up to a super-charged fourth movie that builds on what came before, while still existing as a pioneering work of its own.
When Neo flies away at the end of The Matrix Resurrections, it's no accident that the moment feels pretty similar to way the first movie ended, which similarly sees Neo flying after delivering a warning of the Machines who rule the earth and imprison sleeping humans in the titular virtual reality prison. He flies right past the camera as the movie cuts to black, accompanied by the Rage Against The Machine song entitled "Wake Up," ending the movie on a not-too-subtle plea to the audience to "wake up."
The Matrix Resurrections also ends with the same song, though performed by a different band. What could easily be construed as a cheap nostalgia grab, the reiteration of the song fits the movie's themes, as there are a few key differences between the tracks that embrace the series' overall change in tone.
What Song Is At The End Of Matrix Resurrections & Who Sings It
"Wake Up" was written by Tim Commerford, Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Brad Wilk for their band Rage Against The Machine. Many of their songs, including other hits like "Bulls On Parade," deal with the struggle of working people against the ruling class and institutions, encouraging everyday people to take control of their lives and stand together to become free. In The Matrix Resurrections, "Wake Up" is reimagined by Brass Against, a collective of musicians with the goal of using the power of song to inspire and drive social change. The vocal track is sung in The Matrix Resurrections by Sophia Urista.
Why The Matrix Resurrections' Ending Song Is A Cover Version
Using the original track by Morello and crew might have made the ending of The Matrix Resurrections feel a little too much like déjà vu. Even though it borrows much from the first film, Matrix Resurrections isn't just a play-by-play retread. It uses the repeating of history to illustrate that even as freedom fighters grow old and die, the fight for freedom continues, carried on by young people ready to take up the challenge. It's fitting that the same song of rebellion survives, given a new life by new set of voices. As reflected by the cover version of Rage Against The Machine's "Wake Up," The Matrix Resurrections puts its faith in a new generation that's eager to change the world.