The Matrix: Revolutions hit theaters in 2003, concluding a trilogy of films that forever changed the landscape of action films and cinema as a whole. The franchise has grossed over $1 billion during its tenure and catapulted actors Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss into stardom.
They go back to where it all began on Christmas Day when The Matrix: Resurrections goes wide.
Back to the Matrix
Carrie-Anne Moss, known as Trinity in the Matrix, began her career as most actors do. Bouncing from one television network to another, finding her footing in the hyper-competitive landscape of Hollywood. She had been acting for 10 years when she landed the role that would single-handedly alter the trajectory of her career.
It comes as no surprise that she says it took “no convincing whatsoever,” to return for another sequel to the franchise that made her, now 18 years after the release of Revolutions.
Her rise as Trinity opened doors for her to prominent roles like in Memento and consistent involvement in the popular video game series Mass Effect. She’s even gone the mainstream route and made a pit stop in the MCU for Jessica Jones. She is action-cinema royalty.
Her co-star, Keanu Reeves, was already on the acting radar. He had starred in unique, bold films and blockbusters alike such as Dracula, Point Blank and Speed. One cannot forget his comedic chops in the wholesome Bill & Ted films either.
So after all these years, what was it like to slip back on the trademark black robe?
“It is something to put it on,” said Reeves in an interview with BackstageOL. “But once we got there and we started to film, you know, it was cool – especially ‘cause I’m trying to save trinity. So to have that armor on, and just walking, I felt ready.”
The Heart of the Matrix
The Matrix has been prone to various interpretations over the years. The transitioning of the Wachoswki sisters has recontextualized the way some viewers interact with the films, observing metaphors through a transgender lens. It speaks to the simulation hypothesis, in that we are currently living in a simulation. Or perhaps it’s about taking control of your life.
With films that can go in several different directions, where does one begin?
“Definitely starts with the story. And that’s all with Lana and Lilly Wachowski,” said Moss. “It’s the ideas and the different concepts and all the different layers of those ideas I think that are the foundation of it all.”
Of course, one cannot explore the heart of the Matrix without mentioning its iconic fight sequences. To this day there are filmmakers still trying to replicate the madness of the highway sequence in Reloaded. And that’s just one sequence from one movie.
Reeves admits that training for the sequences can be intense but also fun. They take days to shoot and take weeks to prepare for. Whatever the process, the end result cannot be denied.
The Matrix: Resurrections hits theaters nationwide and on HBO Max on December 22 as part of Warner Bros. day-and-date release strategy.
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