The revival of The Matrix franchise last year was an unexpected extension to the franchise, especially considering the less-than-buzzing response to the first sequels to the original 1999 hit. When The Matrix Resurrections debuted in December 2021, even the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Fisher wasn’t enough to stop the movie from failing to make back its massive $190 million budget. It seems that, along with many fans, former franchise star Laurence Fishburne wasn’t hugely impressed by the new addition to the franchise either.

Fishburne was one of the original stars of The Matrix that did not return for the latest round of sci-fi action, along with other absentees such as Hugo Weaving, and it seems that he doesn’t really regret his decision to dodge the film. While speaking recently with Variety, the actor was asked his thoughts on the new movie and commented:

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He was also asked whether he believed that he had missed out by not reprising his role as Morpheus in the belated sequel; Fishburne did not make any attempt to hide his feelings, simply saying, “No, not really.” It is not unfair to say that Fishburne probably won’t look back in a few years and change his mind about that, as the movie came and went without much fanfare and seems to have put a final nail in The Matrix saga’s coffin.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and it wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. But I thought Carrie-Anne and Keanu really did their thing. Yeah, that’s what I thought."

Is The Matrix Really Being Turned Into a Dance Show?

     Village Roadshow Pictures

While the future of The Matrix on the big screen is not looking good, the franchise is getting an unexpected new lease of life as a dance adaptation being directed by Danny Boyle, called Free Your Mind. According to the press release at the time, the show’s logline reads:

The Matrix certainly lends itself to some deftly choreographed dance routines, it is probably the only thing less expected than the belated sequel to the original trilogy. However, in the hands of Danny Boyle, who has had plenty of experience with directing big spectacles, including the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in London, the intrigue of the project alone should be enough to see the theatrical experience gain a reasonable footfall when it launches next October at a brand new venue in Manchester, U.K.

“Combining the hip-hop choreography of hundreds of dancers with the latest immersive design, ‘Free Your Mind’ will take audiences on a thrilling journey through ‘The Matrix’ and into a new realm of possibilities. This eye-opening production will stretch across the building’s ultra-flexible spaces, responding to them and harnessing the collective energy of the moment.”

For those who still haven’t seen The Matrix Resurrections or simply want to revisit the entire franchise, all four movies can currently be found on HBO Max.