3 The Matrix Characters That Deserve Their Own Spinoff

by

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve always felt The Matrix was so much more than just the cool red pill/blue pill choice and watching Keanu Reeves as Neo bend over backwards in slow motion. Over the course of four films, plus that awesome animated anthology and other spin-off stories, the Wachowskis really crafted a deep, complex sci-fi universe. They populated it with side characters who are honestly just as fascinating as the core trio of Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus. And while The Matrix Resurrections was great to see and brought back a lot of familiar faces, reintroducing us to that mind-bending world, it’s clear there are still *so* many stories waiting to be told.

Looking past the main character, you’ll find many compelling supporting personalities, each with unique philosophies and intriguing mysteries to discover. These characters can shed light on the origins of prophecy within the simulation, explain unanswered questions about the war against the Machines, or follow the new generation of rebels who continue Neo’s fight. Their stories could explore their backstories or unresolved conflicts, but these three characters definitely have the depth and complexity to lead their own spin-off titles.

3) Tank

Tank was a memorable character in the original The Matrix. Portrayed by Marcus Chong, he served as the operator of the Nebuchadnezzar ship and provided a welcome sense of hope to the generally pessimistic crew. What set Tank apart from many of his colleagues was that he was born free in Zion, not captured by the Machines, giving him a truly different outlook. While he wasn’t a combatant like Neo or Trinity, he was quick-thinking and incredibly dependable. As a result, he became essential, consistently supporting Neo from his position at the controls.

Many fans were surprised that Tank didn’t appear in the later films. The story simply stated he died between movies, but the actual reason was disagreements between the actor, Chong, and Warner Bros., which left his storyline unfinished. A spin-off movie could finally give Tank a proper ending, showing what happened to him after the first film. Did he die fighting? Was he double-crossed? Or did he embark on a personal quest before being lost in the war? Providing answers to these questions would be very rewarding for dedicated fans. It’s a chance to finally resolve his arc and give him the closure he deserves. A spin-off would be ideal.

Beyond that, a story focusing on Tank would offer a genuinely human viewpoint in a world dominated by programs and predictions. A limited series following his life after the events on the Nebuchadnezzar could explore how he dealt with the emotional fallout of losing much of his team and how he continued the resistance until his death. It would likely be a very moving story. By revealing this previously unknown part of his life through his cheerful and upbeat personality, a Tank spin-off could remind us that even those who seemed like minor players in the war against the Machines made significant sacrifices. It’s a story worth telling.

2) The Oracle

The Oracle is one of the most mysterious characters in The Matrix. She’s a highly intelligent program that’s essential to how the Matrix works, created to identify problems and steer the heroes toward their fate. First appearing in the original film, she’s the one who informs Neo that he isn’t yet ‘The One,’ which starts him on his journey. In The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, she becomes a key player in the war between Machines and Humans, subtly influencing events from behind the scenes. She presents herself as a kind, elderly woman who enjoys baking and smoking, yet she also possesses the ability to see many possible futures – a striking contrast that makes her a truly fascinating character in the series.

A series focusing on The Oracle could reveal how she finds people with the potential to be “The One” in each new version of the Matrix. Neo wasn’t the first person with special abilities, and the movies suggested many others tried to break the system before him. Seeing the Oracle guide and train children – like the boy who learns to bend spoons – or discover others with unique gifts, would deepen the story without needing Keanu Reeves to return. It would also show fans the huge effort it took to finally find Neo as the real One.

Gloria Foster originally played the Oracle in the first two Matrix films, and after she passed away, Mary Alice took on the role in Revolutions. A compelling spinoff could pay tribute to Foster’s initial portrayal by depicting an earlier period in the Oracle’s life. Picture a spiritual mystery; a Matrix prequel where the Oracle deals with the complex politics within the Machine world, all while providing comfort to the rebels she supports with her baking. She’s arguably the most fitting character for a spinoff that could expand the mythology and deepen the overall lore.

1) Kid

One of the most overlooked characters in The Matrix universe is Michael Karl Popper, commonly known as “Kid.” He first appears in Kid’s Story, a short film from The Animatrix, and is unusual because he managed to free himself from the Matrix without any assistance. After Neo reaches out to him, Kid flees from Agents in a thrilling skateboard pursuit and ultimately “wakes up” through his own determination. This makes him a particularly fascinating character within the series, considering even Neo required help to escape the system.

In the live-action films, the Kid appears in The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions as a very enthusiastic supporter of Neo. He’s always loudly declaring his allegiance and even fights to protect Zion when things look their worst. Although his scenes are short, they suggest a bigger backstory and have left many fans hoping to see more of his story. How did a child who managed to free himself from the Matrix become a leader in the fight against the machines? His journey could offer a different perspective compared to Neo’s, and provide a fresh way to recapture the magic of The Matrix, without needing a complete restart.

A show centered around Kid could connect the stories of Animatrix with the main Matrix films, and potentially introduce a plotline that extends past Revolutions. The series could depict his journey as he takes on the responsibility of a resistance leader, grappling with the pressure of following in Neo’s footsteps while defining his own identity. Combining the themes of a coming-of-age story with cyberpunk action, Kid’s show or movie could perfectly capture the core ideas of The Matrix: the importance of free will and the belief that anyone, not just the chosen One, can challenge the system.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/7-nostalgic-sci-fi-movies-that-will-instantly-take-you-back-to-the-90s/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-29 19:17