The Matrix 5 Can’t Avoid Keanu Reeves’ Neo & Carrie-Anne Moss’ Trinity (Even If It’s A Reboot)

Proposed plans for The Matrix 5 pave the way for the franchise to be fully revitalized after the mixed response to 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, yet whatever direction the sequel takes, it will be unable to avoid Neo and Trinity. The two most recognizable characters from The Matrix movies, Neo and Trinity cemented their status in Resurrections – despite appearing to die nearly two decades earlier in Revolutions. Such is their presence in The Matrix story that any attempt to avoid them – even a total reboot – would face serious problems.

After the mixed critical and dire commercial performance of The Matrix Resurrections, confirmation that The Matrix 5 is in the works is a somewhat surprising development. The previous movie made an estimated $159 million at the global box office against an estimated budget of $190 million, making it by far the biggest commercial disappointment in the series to date. Nevertheless, Warner Bros. confirmed that Drew Goddard will be taking the franchise forward with a bold “new idea” (per THR). Yet however radical Goddard’s plan proves to be, Neo and Trinity will inevitably still play a huge part.

Neo & Trinity’s Story Still Isn’t Finished After The Matrix Resurrections

If Goddard decides to continue the story established across the first four Matrix movies (instead of opting for a complete reboot), it will be impossible for him to ignore Neo and Trinity – in large part thanks to The Matrix Resurrections‘ dramatic finale. As well as radically updating other key elements of the franchise’s lore, the four-quel fundamentally changed the power and relationship dynamic between the pair. As a result, the movie represents the start of a new chapter in their story, rather than a definitive end for the characters.

In The Matrix Resurrections‘ ending, Neo and Trinity are seen flying off together after a confrontation with The Analyst – imbued with the power to rewrite the Matrix as they see fit. This makes the couple central to whatever happens in the Matrix next – and therefore instrumental in how the next entry in the story plays out. Because of this pivotal role, it will be impossible for a chronologically consistent Matrix 5 to ignore Neo and Trinity, all but necessitating Keanu Reeves’ and Carrie-Anne Moss’ return. As a result, Goddard’s story options will be somewhat limited, if he goes down a traditional sequel route.

Drew Goddard’s The Matrix 5 Is Described As A “New Story” (So Could Be A Reboot)

Given the limitations imposed by a traditional sequel, Drew Goddard’s The Matrix 5 may opt for a total reboot of the franchise. Theoretically, this could allow the story to change character arcs and potentially rewrite key details of Neo and Trinity’s story – perhaps even replacing them altogether. There is some evidence for this in Warner Bros.’ confirmation statement announcing the project, in which the studio said:

“Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25-years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters. The entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making his new Matrix film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis’ spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio.”

References to “continuing the Matrix world” and “love of the series and characters” suggest continuity. However, multiple mentions of “new ideas” and the lack of involvement from the Wachowskis themselves all suggest that a reboot is not totally out of the question – potentially paving the way for a new interpretation of existing characters. However, even if The Matrix 5 does continue down the reboot path, avoiding Neo and Trinity completely is out of the question.

Neo & Trinity’s Absences Would Be A Massive Distraction In The Matrix 5

Unlike other characters who could be more easily sidelined, Neo and Trinity are both fundamental to the audience’s understanding of The Matrix‘s world. Since their introduction in the first movie, the pair have been responsible for most of the series’ defining moments, from Neo’s revival after his fight with Agent Smith in the original, to Trinity’s tragic death in Revolutions. After the end of The Matrix Resurrections, the couple is now more central than ever to the wider Matrix story, having been established as the preeminent force inside the artificial reality.

Because of their status within the series, any story that ignores Neo and Trinity altogether would feel like it was missing a key component. Having defined the franchise for over two decades, removing them completely would make The Matrix 5 feel like part of an entirely different series. Additionally, The Matrix Resurrections has left so many open-ended questions about Neo and Trinity’s new powers that a total refresh would feel somewhat unsatisfying. As such, the characters are essential inclusions in any Matrix 5 story.

Resurrections Already Proved The Matrix 5 Needs Keanu Reeves And Carrie-Anne Moss

A further factor to consider around the issue of Neo and Trinity’s return is the poor reception around The Matrix Resurrections‘ attempts to ignore or revitalize other iconic series characters. For instance, the movie either left out popular figures like The Oracle and Seraph, or completely reimagined previous mainstays like Morpheus and Agent Smith. In both cases, the decision proved disastrous. While Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jonathan Groff both brought interesting new dimensions to the legacy characters, they ultimately fell far short of Laurence Fishburne and Hugo Weaving’s legendary versions.

The poor reception to updated versions of characters like Morpheus and Agent Smith in particular proves that The Matrix 5 probably needs Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in order to succeed. The franchise has already demonstrated that recasting such iconic characters is not a viable approach, while ignoring them altogether would present a whole host of other problems. Despite the limitations it would place on the story, it’s difficult to see how The Matrix 5 would succeed without Reeves and Moss after the example of The Matrix Resurrections.

Source: THR