The Matrix 4 already has Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning as Neo and Trinity, respectively. But now, it sounds like another fan-favorite from the series could make a comeback as well. Deadline is reporting that Jada Pinkett Smith is currently in negotiations to star in the sequel.
Smith portrayed Niobe in the original trilogy, debuting in The Matrix Reloaded and continuing on in The Matrix Revolutions. She also appeared in the 2003 video game Enter the Matrix, in both cinematic sequences and as a playable character. Niobe was one of Zion’s most valuable assets in the war against the machines. She was a highly skilled pilot who captained her own vessel, the Logos. Niobe was also in a relationship with Morpheus prior to the events of the films. It was heavily implied that they rekindled their romance after the final battle in Revolutions.
This is the second bit of Matrix 4 casting news to pop up this week. Yesterday, word broke that Neil Patrick Harris is also onboard the project in an undisclosed role. He joins Reeves and Moss, along with Aquaman‘s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who might play a younger version of Morpheus. The filmmakers have yet to confirm Laurence Fishburne’s involvement.
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Lana Wachowski is returning to direct The Matrix 4 from a screenplay co-written by herself, Aleksandar Hemon, and David Mitchell. It will certainly be interesting to see how they pick up where they left off, considering how Revolutions ended in 2003.
Overall, the Matrix films have grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide. They’ve also become a cultural phenomenon over the years, amassing a huge fanbase and setting a new bar for visual effects. With this, it’s no surprise that Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow want to continue that success. And with actors like Smith returning, moviegoers are bound to welcome the franchise back with open arms.
The Matrix 4 is still without a release date. Are you excited to see Jada Pinkett Smith return as Niobe? Let us know in the comments below!
Recommended Reading: The Matrix Comics, Vol. 2
