Laurence Fishburne Hesitant to Reprise Morpheus Role in Potential 'Matrix 5

Laurence Fishburne Expresses Hesitancy on Reprising Morpheus Role in 'Matrix 5' LOS ANGELES - Laurence Fishburne, the actor who portrayed Morpheus in the original "Matrix" trilogy, expressed his doubts about reprising the role in a potential fifth installment of the sci-fi franchise. Speaking at The Matrix reunion event at New York Comic Con 2025, Fishburne stated that he would only consider returning as Morpheus if the new film is "great" and makes sense. "I don't know if it makes sense," Fishburne said on stage, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering about the future of the iconic character. The comment comes after last year's announcement that Drew Goddard, screenwriter of "The Martian," would be taking over as director from Lana and Lily Wachowski for a new Matrix film. Background on the Matrix franchise reveals that it has been a staple in modern science fiction since its release in 1999, with its innovative special effects and thought-provoking storyline captivating audiences worldwide. The original trilogy consisted of "The Matrix" (1999), "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003), and "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003). Fishburne's portrayal of Morpheus, a wise and powerful mentor to Neo (Keanu Reeves), was widely praised by critics and fans alike. Industry experts point out that the Matrix franchise has been a benchmark for innovative storytelling and visual effects. The original trilogy's success can be attributed to its unique blend of action, philosophy, and social commentary, which resonated with audiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. When asked about his thoughts on the potential return of Morpheus, Fishburne emphasized that he would only consider it if the new film meets high standards. "It depends on how good it is, really," he said. "If it's great, then yeah, if it makes sense." The future of the Matrix franchise remains uncertain, with Goddard at the helm and a release date yet to be announced. Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely as developments unfold. In related news, Warner Bros. has confirmed that production on the new film is expected to begin in 2026, with a planned release date set for 2027. The studio has also announced plans to expand the Matrix universe through various media platforms, including television series and video games. As the Matrix franchise continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Laurence Fishburne's iconic portrayal of Morpheus will forever be etched in the minds of fans worldwide. Whether or not he returns as the character remains to be seen, but his legacy is already cemented as a cultural phenomenon. *Reporting by Variety.*