“There is no spoon.”

This is a now iconic and oft referenced quotation from the 1999 science fiction film The Matrix. The plot of this movie revolves around the character of Neo (Keanu Reeves) who is labeled as the chosen one. It chronicles his adventure in trying to take down the computer program that he lived in called the Matrix, which includes the future virus Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). Neo is accompanied by the characters Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie Anne Moss). This original movie spawned two sequels and plenty of merchandise, including things like video games, plenty of fan material such as art, and even engraved spoons. And now it has caused a fourth installment in the series.

On Aug. 20, 2019, it was announced that a fourth Matrix film would be made. So far, it has a number of returning stars/crew that were in the original films. Reeves and Moss will be reprising their roles as Neo and Trinity, respectfully. It is still unknown if Fishburne will be returning as Morpheus, so time will tell. Lana Wachowski will be returning as writer and director, but it seems that Lilly Wachowski, who co-wrote and directed the original films, will not be returning. Concept designer of the first three films Geof Darrow will also be returning. As for new actors, Broadway and How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris will be starring in an unnamed role and Aquaman star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will also be in, as of now, an unnamed role.  

Not much is known as to what the plot will be, or even how Neo and Trinity will make their returns. Production is going to begin early 2020 and the release date is still in the dark. Online fan response has been somewhat mixed, with some stating their excitement about the mysterious nature of another Matrix film, while others remain skeptical about the need for one more film. 

Overall, the revival of a film series that has been “finished” since 2003 has created a sense of excitement among fans. In the wise words of Agent Smith, “You hear that Mr. Anderson? That is the sound of inevitability.”