The Matrix 4 Finds New Lead In An Aquaman Star

Aquaman Black Manta scowls without his helmet

As the surprise revelation of The Matrix 4’s existence has started the project down the road to production, there’s some developments that have only made this follow-up all the more anticipated. With Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning to the world that writer/director Lana Wachowski helped create, there’s a new player in the sandbox that’s gearing up for action: Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Previously known as the big screen version of Black Manta in director James Wan’s DC Comics picture, Abdul-Mateen II apparently rose to the top of an intense casting blitz that saw Wachowski choosing him for a lead role in The Matrix 4. While that role isn’t named at this moment, there’s a pretty good guess who Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is playing; especially when factoring in the return of Reeves’ Neo and Moss’ Trinity.

Rumors have been speculating that a young Morpheus would be appearing in The Matrix 4, and the role was previously rumored to be a crucial part to the then uncertain sequel, with Michael B. Jordan being mentioned as a possible candidate.

This is all speculation, based on a report of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s casting that comes from Variety. However, should this be true, it’s another piece in the mysterious puzzle that is the potential plot to The Matrix 4.

And it’s one that we’ve seen recent whispers supporting as well. Previous news had pegged not only a young Morpheus, but also a young Neo, in need of casting for The Matrix 4 to potentially start filming next February. This announcement of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II being cast supports, at the very least, the claim of an aggressive casting strategy taking place in the recent weeks, and that’s good news.

With a strong enough idea to bring Lana Wachowski and Keanu Reeves back into The Matrix fold, and a hot young lead cast to potentially continue the iconic story that started its path 20 years ago, The Matrix 4 continues to evolve from what sounded like a shocking cause for worry to something even the most hardcore fan will line up to see on opening weekend.

There's still a lot of time between now and when The Matrix 4 intends to go into production. As secrecy will be so tight on this project you'd have to be "The One" to get the proper lowdown, we're going to have to hold our collective breath before we hear anything concrete. Unfortunately, no one can be told what The Matrix 4 is; but hopefully, we'll be able to see it for ourselves in the near future.

The Matrix 4 is looking to go into production in early 2020, with no release date specified as of yet. Keep it tuned here to CinemaBlend for further developments, as they progress; and in the meantime, check out our release schedules for the upcoming titles throughout the rest of 2019, as well as all of 2020.

Mike Reyes
Senior Movies Contributor

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.