When The Matrix came out in 1999, it was a cultural phenomenon. The Wachowskis poured their passions into it – philosophy, comics, anime, martial arts films, and more – and somehow it all came together brilliantly. The movie created something entirely new and memorable. While the three sequels didn’t quite live up to the original – though they still have a following – the impact and power of the first Matrix film remain undeniable.
Despite a disappointing box office performance and mixed reviews for 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, Warner Bros. is still considering the future of the franchise. Drew Goddard, known for writing Project Hail Mary, has been hired to write and direct a new Matrix movie. While the details are unknown, it’s natural to wonder what a reimagined Matrix would look like in today’s cinematic landscape. Considering the huge impact The Matrix had on blockbusters, we’ve thought about which modern actors would be ideal for the iconic roles.
7) Josh O’Connor as Neo
By the time Keanu Reeves starred in The Matrix, he’d already shown his range as an actor. He’d been known for comedy in Bill & Ted, as well as more serious and action-oriented roles. The Matrix allowed him to combine all those skills as Neo. Josh O’Connor, while not known for action movies, has a strong background in acting, demonstrated through his work in films like Challengers, Wake Up Dead Man, The Mastermind, and Emma, as well as on stage.
A key aspect of Neo’s character is his initial disbelief at being “The One,” combined with the shock of discovering his life as a programmer is just a manufactured reality within a simulation. Keanu Reeves not only physically fits the role of someone who could be convincingly stuck as a programmer in the Matrix, but he’s also a versatile enough actor to portray Neo’s journey from confusion and doubt to eventual understanding and acceptance.
6) Maika Monroe as Trinity
Trinity’s character in The Matrix is particularly compelling. We see her fall in love with Neo as the story unfolds, all while remaining a strong and reliable supporter of Morpheus and his mission to find The One. Initially, she’s presented as a self-assured and somewhat detached hacker, but her feelings for Neo complicate things once she understands his importance. When Morpheus is captured, her loyalty and resolve are truly tested, showcasing different sides of her personality before reaching the film’s dramatic climax.
While Carrie-Anne Moss became well-known for playing Trinity, and Maika Monroe has been acting for years, they share a similar captivating presence. This makes Monroe, who starred in It Follows, a great fit to reimagine the role. Though she’s mostly known for dramatic roles and hasn’t been in many action films, Monroe has the physical build and acting ability to pull off Trinity perfectly.
5) Michael B. Jordan as Morpheus
As a lifelong movie fan, I always felt Laurence Fishburne was Morpheus in The Matrix. It wasn’t just acting; he brought decades of experience from film, television, and the stage to the role. He just radiated a sense of someone who’d seen everything and was completely comfortable with who he was. Thinking about Michael B. Jordan taking on the role now, I see a similar career trajectory – he has that same weight and presence that audiences automatically connected with Fishburne. Interestingly, he’s currently the same age Fishburne was when The Matrix first came out, which adds another layer to the potential for a really compelling performance.
4) Jack O’Connell as Agent Smith
Agent Smith begins as a typical villain working for the machines in the Matrix, but we soon learn he’s driven by his own selfish goals. This changes how we view everything he’s done and sets him apart from the other villains in the film. Hugo Weaving’s performance was excellent, particularly his mastery of an American accent, which he used to add depth and nuance to every line.
I’ve been really impressed with Jack O’Connell lately, especially after seeing him play the bad guys in Sinners and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. He doesn’t just play villains, he makes you understand why they do what they do – they genuinely believe they’re the good guys! That’s exactly the kind of depth I think Agent Smith needs, and O’Connell clearly has it.
3) Angela Bassett as The Oracle
The Oracle, a key program within The Matrix who helps humanity, has been a subject of debate due to concerns about a potentially harmful stereotype. While the character’s full arc across the films provided more context and addressed those concerns, the role demands an actor with grace and a dignified presence. Angela Bassett possesses these qualities, which contribute to her success in major films – she’s not only a talented performer, but naturally exudes poise and formality, making her a perfect fit for The Oracle. Interestingly, Bassett was actually a year older than the original Oracle actress, Gloria Foster, when she took on the role.
2) Michael Fassbender as Cypher
Cypher, the character who betrayed the crew in The Matrix, is memorable not just for his actions, but also because he was played by Joe Pantoliano, a seasoned actor known for playing both villains and figures of authority – roles he also took on in films like The Goonies and The Fugitive. A modern version of Cypher needs that same sense of weight and believability, someone recognizable as a potential crew member who still feels capable of betrayal. While Michael Fassbender is known for powerful dramas like Shame and Steve Jobs, and chilling performances like in 12 Years a Slave, his science fiction work, specifically the Alien films, demonstrates his ability to play a subtly deceptive and cunning character – making him a perfect fit for a new take on Cypher.
1) Sydney Sweeney as The Woman in the Red Dress
For those familiar with The Matrix, the Woman in the Red Dress is a deliberately unreal character, designed to test Neo. She grabs his attention with her striking outfit and a flirty look, but when Neo briefly looks away, she transforms into an Agent. This scene highlights the danger of anyone living within the Matrix who isn’t aware of the truth – they can be controlled by Agents whenever the system detects resistance. Considering this, Sydney Sweeney would be a perfect choice for the role. Her casting would add an interesting layer to the film, suggesting the machines’ simulated world is sophisticated enough to recognize and replicate contemporary figures of attraction.
Read More
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: 50 Easter Eggs, References & Major Cameos Explained
- 10 Best Free Games on Steam in 2026, Ranked
- All 13 Smash Bros. Characters in the Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- WTH?! Twitter Drops Fake Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Spoilers as Character Return Confirmed
- Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun season 4 release schedule: When are new episodes on Crunchyroll?
- Highly Anticipated Strategy RPG Finally Sets Release Date (And It’s Soon)
- Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid 2 Sets Streaming Release Date
- Dune 3 Gets the Huge Update Fans Have Been Waiting For
- Why is Tech Jacket gender-swapped in Invincible season 4 and who voices her?
- Forza Horizon 6 ‘Prologue’ gameplay
2026-04-09 02:13