Confirmation that The Matrix 5 is officially happening provides the franchise with plenty of potential future storylines, yet whatever direction the film takes, one actor’s return is essential. After a near-20-year break between installments, the previous entry in The Matrix introduced a number of new faces to the franchise, even replacing some classic cast members. However, while staples Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss were among a handful of actors to return, the movie highlighted that the next installment needs one specific actor to succeed.
Despite the commercial failure of The Matrix Resurrections, Warner Bros. confirmed that a fifth movie is now in the works. Led by Drew Goddard, The Matrix 5 will mark the first time a Matrix movie has not had the involvement of the Wachowskis, who originated the franchise in 1999. In a statement confirming the project, Warner Bros. declared that the film revolves around “a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world“. This approach suggests a blend of old and new elements in The Matrix 5 – perhaps paving the way for one crucial character to return.
Despite the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, The Matrix Resurrections was hugely affected by the absence of Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith. The original iconic antagonist of the earlier trilogy, Smith was a sinister and potent villain, providing a dark reflection of Neo’s One. Even though the lore around the character became increasingly complex, with Smith clones taking over the Matrix and a version of the psychotic program even making it into the real world, Weaving’s sunglasses-wearing baddie was an essential part of what made The Matrix‘s story and aesthetic so memorable.
It’s unsurprising, therefore, that Weaving’s absence was keenly felt in The Matrix Resurrections. Replaced by Jonathan Groff, the Agent Smith character was still a crucial part of the story. However, without Weaving’s signature drawl and arrogance, Smith simply wasn’t the same. Instead, Resurrections was forced to rely on The Analyst (played by Neil Patrick Harris) to act as an antagonist, replacing one of the all-time great villains with a never-before-seen character. In the end, and while this wasn’t the movie’s only flaw, this approach proved to be a major problem, contributing to The Matrix Resurrections‘ mixed reviews.
Although Jonathan Groff brought an interesting new dimension to Smith, he was ultimately a pale imitation of Weaving’s original. Part of the problem was the character’s new role in the overall story and his changed dynamic with Neo. Unlike Weaving’s version, which is clearly adversarial from the outset, Groff’s interpretation starts out as Neo’s business partner. While this reinforces the symbolic bond between the pair, it also makes Smith seem less threatening – a perception that only increases when Smith allies himself with Neo to fight The Analyst.
The Matrix Resurrections also limits Smith’s power from previous movies, impacting how threatening he seems. At the end of The Matrix Revolutions, Smith has essentially taken over the entire Matrix with his own clones – a situation which ultimately forces Neo and the Machines to form an uneasy alliance. In Resurrections, however, he only possesses the power he had as an Agent – nothing compared to the abilities of The One. Although this narrative decision is nothing to do with Groff, it does reinforce the notion that his new Smith is inferior to Weaving’s earlier version.
Despite not appearing in the previous installment, The Matrix has left the door open for Weaving’s Smith to return to the franchise. In The Matrix Resurrections‘ ending, the temporary alliance between Neo and Smith comes to an end, with Smith leaving Tom’s host body and establishing himself once again as a hostile agent. The fact that he has left this particular form potentially paves the way for Weaving to return, with Smith perhaps inhabiting the body he used throughout the original trilogy.
Not only is there a logical rationale behind Weaving’s potential comeback, but The Matrix Resurrections also laid the groundwork for another Neo and Smith rematch. By the film’s end, Smith is still at large in the Matrix, potentially causing problems for both humanity and the machines. While it’s unclear whether The Matrix 5 will continue Resurrections‘ story, this is an unresolved issue that the franchise still needs to address – providing further justification for Weaving to return.