Yahya Abdul-Mateen II confirms Morpheus role for The Matrix Resurrections

One key detail about how Morpheus looks in Resurrections is that he is visibly younger. This hints at the possible reason why Fishburne was not asked to reprise his iconic role. However, by that logic, the film should have recast Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as well. Although both are the leads of the original Matrix trilogy, Resurrections makes no effort to make the two look younger. Neo, in particular, is sporting a much more mature look and aura for Resurrections.

If this is the case, then why exactly did Lana Wachowski deliberately choose not to bring back Lawrence when both Keanu and Carrie-Anne are back? Surely it has something to do with the story?

As we've already mentioned, Resurrections is set after the events of the first Matrix film, which suggests that it might be a soft reboot of sorts. The title is a little too on the nose if that's the case, but it would make sense. It would also help explain why Neo and Trinity can't seem to remember each other or why Morpheus doesn't remember either of them as well. There's also an interesting sequence in the trailer where a visibly shocked Morpheus reaches into a mirror, which suggests that he is also not aware of the Matrix.

This answer would explain the recasting as opposed to de-aging Fishburne using CGI. It's not like it hasn't happened before. Disney's work on Samuel L. Jackson in 2019's Captain Marvel proves that there is a way to make older actors look decades younger in a convincing fashion.

Of course, this is all just speculation. It remains unclear why Morpheus looks visibly younger. However, all signs seem to point to there being a meta-esque reason for it. Either that, or we're just reading too much into it. We also shouldn't rule out a surprise return for Lawrence until we've seen the movie.

Luckily, Resurrections isn't a long way off. The fourth Matrix film is expected to premiere on December 22, 2021.