Laurence Fishburne (born July 30, 1961, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.) is an American actor noted for the intensity of his performances. He was the recipient of a Tony Award (1992) for his work in August Wilson's play Two Trains Running but is probably best known for his role as Morpheus in the Matrix film trilogy.

Who was the original choice for Morpheus?

Hong Kong star Chow Yun-Fat turned down the role of Morpheus. Other actors considered for Morpheus included Samuel L. Jackson and Gary Oldman. Considering how perfectly Laurence Fishburne fit the part, everything worked out for the best.

Why did they recast Morpheus?

Morpheus died in The Matrix Online, a game that is part of the “Matrix Expanded Universe” and is considered Matrix canon. Therefore, Morpheus' death could not be ignored in The Matrix Resurrections. As for Agent Smith, Hugo Weaving could not return for The Matrix Resurrections due to scheduling conflicts.

Why didn t the original actor play Morpheus?

The actor said in 2020 that he had “not been invited” to reprise his role (via New York Magazine). The Matrix: Resurrection's story ultimately made sense of the surprising decision to recast Morpheus, but that doesn't necessarily mean leaving out Fishburne was the right move for the film.

Why did Matrix 4 flop?

These things are, quite painfully, related. Matrix 4 didn't bomb because it was bad. It bombed because, being itself about self-hatred and nostalgia and the tyranny of screens, it was hated by self-hating nostalgic netizens. Who must, by this logic, constitute a core constituency of the moviegoing public.

Laurence Fishburne: People Think I’m Morpheus | CONAN on TBS

Who else auditioned for Morpheus?

Nicholas Cage also turned down the role due to family obligations, and Val Kilmer, one of the producers' top picks, turned down both the role of Neo and Fishburne's Morpheus. Instead, he worked on the poorly received At First Sight. Interestingly, Sandra Bullock was also considered for the role, with Warner Bros.

Why did they replace Laurence Fishburne?

The recasting of the role is seemingly deliberate, given that not only was Fishburne not asked to return, but that the role was filled by a much younger actor in Abdul-Mateen II.

What happened to the original Morpheus?

Laurence Fishburne, who played Morpheus in the original “Matrix” trilogy, did not return to the franchise for “Resurrections.” Morpheus is long dead during the events of the sequel, but an artificial intelligence based off of the leader (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) does play a major role in the story.

Why was Morpheus replaced in Matrix?

According to the actor who originally played Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), he simply wasn't invited back to reprise the role. The writer/producer/director of Resurrections, Larry Wachowski, never even contacted Fishburne about playing Morpheus again.

Why didn't Laurence Fishburne do Matrix 4?

Laurence Fishburne will not take another trip down the rabbit hole. The actor told New York Magazine that he “has not been invited” to reprise his iconic role in Lana Wachowski's “The Matrix” sequel. “I have not been invited. Maybe that will make me write another play.

Why is Morpheus called Morpheus?

The name Morpheus itself suggests the Greek god of dreams, whose name literally means “he who forms.” The god Morpheus has the ability to change his own shape and manipulate reality, as well as the power to bewitch other people's minds with dreams and fantasies.

Will there be a Matrix 5?

The studio has announced plans to continue the franchise, with a fifth Matrix movie now in development. It will be the first installment in the cyber-action film series without either Lana or Lily Wachowski as directors.

Who plays Morpheus in John Wick?

Laurence John Fishburne III was born in Augusta, Georgia, United States. His most notable acting works outside of John Wick are The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Man of Steel, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Ant Man and the Wasp.

Who is Morpheus in John Wick?

The Real Meaning Behind John Wick 2's Matrix Reference

It was already a foregone conclusion that the John Wick movies would indulge in The Matrix references. That became even more apparent after Morpheus actor Laurence Fishburne was introduced as the Bowery King in John Wick: Chapter 2.

How many movies have Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne done together?

Fishburne has worked with actress Angela Bassett on four projects. He said that "An electrifying thing happens when the two of us work together. I haven't experienced it with anyone else. A freedom happens when we work together."

Who turned down Morpheus?

8 Russell Crowe as Morpheus

Surprisingly, Crowe turned down the role for better opportunities — A Beautiful Mind, Gladiator, and The Insider — which undoubtedly turned out for the best for him.

Who pulled Morpheus out of the Matrix?

And although still recovering from the drugs and even after getting wounded by Agent Smith, Morpheus begins fighting back and is successfully rescued by Neo and Trinity. Additionally, his faith is invigorated even more after witnessing Neo also starting to believe and pulling off superhuman feats in the rescue mission.

What is the Matrix in real life?

The MATRIX refers to the systems and structures in society that keep us bound to the traditional ways of living and working. These systems can include societal norms, cultural expectations, educational institutions, and corporate structures that often prioritize profit over people.

Who is the new Morpheus in Matrix 4?

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II ("Candyman"), however, explained why he was casted and also hinted at how "The Matrix 4" will incorporate this new Morpheus into the storyline. "This is definitely a different iteration of the character," Abdul-Mateen told Entertainment Weekly.

Was Matrix Resurrections a flop?

The film received generally positive reviews from critics but was a box-office disappointment, grossing only $159 million worldwide against a production budget of $190 million. It received a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 75th British Academy Film Awards. A sequel is currently in development.

Was Keanu Reeves the first choice for Neo?

'The Matrix' wouldn't be the same without Keanu Reeves' Neo, but the role came close to several other actors. In fact, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star Johnny Depp was directors Lilly and Lana Wachowski's first choice, but he turned it down.

Who was the first actor in the Matrix?

It is the first installment in the Matrix film series, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Joe Pantoliano, and depicts a dystopian future in which humanity is unknowingly trapped inside the Matrix, a simulated reality that intelligent machines have created to distract humans ...

Why does Smith hate The Matrix?

At the same time, Smith develops an animosity towards the Matrix itself, feeling that he is as much a prisoner of it as the humans he is tasked with controlling. He later develops an immense and increasingly open desire for the destruction of both mankind and machines.