Warner Bros.' The Matrix 4 features an ensemble cast that includes former How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris in an undisclosed role. While Harris has kept quiet about his involvement with the film, the actor recently shed light on the size of his role and how director Lana Wachowski has changed her approach since her time working on the original Matrix trilogy.
Released in 1999, Lana and Lilly Wachowski's The Matrix was heralded for its revolutionary special effects and its exploration of complex topics, including transgender themes. Now, Lana Wachowski will return to The Matrix universe as the sole director of a fourth installment in the franchise that she co-wrote with Aleksander Hemon and David Mitchell.
During an interview on Sirius XM's The Jess Cagle Show, Neil Patrick Harris commented on his experience working with Wachowski. "I have great hope that, that fans will appreciate all the work that Lana and everyone is putting into this movie. I'm a big Lana Wachowski fan. I think she's a great person," said Harris. The newcomer to The Matrix franchise added that Wachowski will not be returning to the same methods used on her previous works, saying, "I think she has a great inclusive energy and her style has, has shifted, um, visually from what she had done to what, um, she is currently doing."
Harris also indicated that his role in The Matrix 4 will not be a large one, but noted that he has been having fun working on the film and marveled at how production is adjusting the precautions taken in response to COVID 19. "So the fact that I get a small part in this, and can watch from afar in, in, you know, and the majority of it, and see how it's working and see sort of the machine of it all. Michigan probably being appropriate since it's the Matrix. I just, I've just been having a blast. They're very smart. It's a very smart team. They're making a giant movie and under very unique circumstances," Harris said before adding that film deserves to be seen on the big screen due to its the "ambitious" scope.
Of course, the secrecy surrounding The Matrix 4 has resulted in numerous fan theories, including speculation on who Harris might be playing. While nothing official regarding Harris's role has been announced, it has been suggested that he might be portraying the villain of the film.
Unfortunately, while there may be plenty of new characters in The Matrix 4, fans are disappointed that not everyone will be joining Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Moss as returning alumni. Both Hugo Weaving and Laurence Fishburne have already confirmed they won't appear in the sequel.
The Matrix 4 is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 1st, 2022.
Source: SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Show