The Matrix is a franchise that often elicits strong emotions from viewers. For some, that emotion is of the negative variety, focusing on what they perceive to be wasted potential on the part of the infamously poorly received sequels. For others, there may be an indelible attachment between them and the films, either due to the various allegories woven in by the Wachowski sisters or simply out of pure enjoyment.

But either way, whether through criticism or through appreciation for the transgender themes overtly present in the Matrix films, those powerful emotions appear to still linger as the 4th film in the series lingers on the horizon. In fact, it seems that even the actors themselves making their return in The Matrix Resurrections managed to reactivate some long-dormant feelings when they first read the movie's plot. Considering how the previous movie ended, one of those feelings was undoubtedly "surprise."

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In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Keanu Reeves (Neo) spoke about his experience returning to the franchise, particularly after The Matrix Revolutions ended with the death of both Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss' Trinity. He explained how he felt when receiving that first phone call from director Lana Wachowski (this will be the first Matrix movie directed only by Lana without the involvement of her sister Lilly Wachowski) about the long-awaited sequel. "It was one of those phone calls where even though you're at home, you stand up," Reeves said, before going on to comment on how Wachowski's directing style has changed in the years since the original trilogy. This time around, he observed how the veteran filmmaker didn't actually do much rehearsing for the project. According to Reeves, "she was participating more with the movement of the camera, and more interested in doing than rehearsing."

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Reeves wasn't the only one who felt a real reaction to the sequel. Moss, who has been one of The Matrix's leading forces alongside Reeves and the Wachowskis, spoke about her own response to the whole project and how significant Wachowski's style is, even subverting the rules of traditional blockbusters. "I've never felt that way before," she said, "where I could see that I am an extension of [Lana Wachowski's] heart in playing this role." Meanwhile, franchise newbie Jonathan Groff (Frozen) offered his own visceral experience joining so many cinematic giants in this significant series. "When I read the script for this movie I cried," Groff admitted, "because the idea of watching these two iconic actors in these two iconic parts coming back and fighting to have their love again just wrecked me."

Wachowski's vision for The Matrix focuses on the love story between Neo and Trinity, which may be a surprise to some, but a welcome one to many. The original Matrix film may seem like edgy '90s shlock these days, but it's difficult to describe just how significant everything about it was at the time. The aesthetic and groundbreaking effects are one thing, but audiences absolutely ate up the relatively simple romance between Reeves and Moss' characters, so having that be the focus may end up making a number of long-time fans particularly happy.

But whatever reason any given audience member may have for getting excited, there's no denying that there's nearly 20 years' worth of hype behind the highly-anticipated The Matrix Resurrections. If nothing else, that boost (along with the testimonies of Reeves and Moss) should make it worth a watch.

The Matrix Resurrections will release in theaters and HBO Max starting December 22, 2021.

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Source: Entertainment Weekly