A new poster for The Matrix Resurrections claims that the film is “based on real events,” spoofing Facebook’s recent company name change. Directed by series co-creator Lana Wachowski, The Matrix 4 stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jonathan Groff, among others. The film is currently scheduled to release on December 22, 2021, simultaneously in theaters and for streaming on HBO Max.
The Matrix has always been a franchise interested in the potential of real-world technology. The whole premise of the original Matrix trilogy is based on fears surrounding AI and the dangers of computers becoming too smart for humans to control. The Matrix Resurrections will deal with similar themes, but much of the film’s story has yet to be revealed. However, a recent bit of marketing for the film has tied directly into current events in a funny way.
The official Matrix 4 Twitter account recently shared a red pill/blue pill poster with the words “Now, based on real events” printed on it. The line is a reference to Facebook’s recent announcement that it would be changing its company name to Meta. In the original Matrix, Neo works at “one of the top software companies in the world,” called MetaCortex. It’s a dismal, dystopic parody of oppressive corporate culture – not exactly the kind of place Facebook wants to be compared to.
Facebook’s Matrix comparison is even more striking because of the company’s recent moves into the realm of virtual reality – a technology that has dire consequences in the world of the films. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also drawn particular criticism over the years for his apparent willingness to perpetuate misinformation on his digital platforms in exchange for profit, and for his often robot-seeming personality in company promotions. Fears of digital control and virtual reality overtaking the real world have never been stronger, which should make for an interesting new installment when The Matrix Resurrections releases.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between the simulation and the real world in The Matrix, and while the new poster is only a joke, the parallel to actual tech companies and their frightening level of control over the public consciousness does drive home the message of the franchise. MetaCortex isn’t Facebook, but the similarities are hard to ignore, especially in an age where polarization and radicalization through social media are so prevalent. The Matrix franchise has never shied away from commenting on the state of the real world through its sci-fi stories. Given the state of current events, The Matrix Resurrections may have quite a bit to say.
