Summary

• Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss may not return as Neo and Trinity in The Matrix 5 due to a new director and expanded concept.
• The Matrix 5 could explore a new storyline, possibly leaving Neo and Trinity behind for a fresh perspective.
• The return of Reeves and Moss to The Matrix 5 is uncertain, but they may agree to cameos under Lana Wachowski's production.

The Matrix 5 is on the way, but what about Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss? The two stars led the way in the four previous The Matrix movies, the final of which, The Matrix Resurrections, seemed to give their characters rather definitive endings. Of course, the same could be said for The Matix Revolutions, which killed off Neo and Trinity in its conclusion. Since Reeves and Moss' characters managed to return to this cinematic universe anyway, it certainly seems possible that the same could happen for The Matrix 5—but the franchise could go in a whole new direction instead.

1999's The Matrix introduced Reeves' Neo and Moss' Trinity, and the film remains one of the most influential science fiction movies of all time. Of course, their stories didn't end there. The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003) rounded out the story in a neat trilogy, though these sequels didn't perform as well as the original film. Then, nearly two decades after the franchise's start, Neo and Trinity surprised audiences with a death-defying Screen Rant), but it's unclear who will its cast.

Keanu Reeves & Carrie-Anne Moss Are Not Confirmed To Return As Neo & Trinity In Matrix 5

2024's Announcement for The Matrix 5 Came Without Cast Of Story Details

The Matrix 5 is already proving that it will be different from the previous four movies since it will be the first not directed by one of the Wachowski sisters. Instead, Drew Goddard (best known for writing World War Z and The Martian) will be responsible for the project. Warner Bros has shared that Goddard has an exciting idea for expanding the Matrix universe that will add "his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis’ spent a quarter of a century building." Aside from this (and the fact that Lana Wachowski will executive produce), little else is known.

This means there are currently no confirmed cast or characters for The Matrix 5, including Reeves and Moss. Though the romance between Neo and Trinity has been at the franchise's foundation, it seems that Goddard is instead aiming to take the story in a new direction. This could ultimately render Reeves and Moss unnecessary for The Matrix 5. Still, even if the film is a reboot or spinoff, the very nature of the Matrix universe means that Neo and Trinity could always make a cameo appearance.

The Matrix movies are available to stream on Max.

What Keanu Reeves & Carrie-Anne Moss Have Said About Returning To The Matrix Franchise After Resurrections

Keanu Reeves & Carrie-Anne Moss May Return To The Matrix Under the Right Conditions

Following the release of The Matrix Resurrections, Reeves and Moss said they would be willing to return to play Neo and Trinity again, but they had a minor stipulation that Goddard might not be able to satisfy. Reeves has said in the past (via SMH) that he wouldn't feel comfortable playing Neo in a movie that wasn't led by the Wachowski sisters and noted that this was why he agreed to The Matrix Resurrections when he had turned down earlier offers. This sentiment was repeated by Moss, who agreed that it was Lana's call that made her return to play Trinity.

The fact that Lana Wachowski is executive producing The Matrix 5 indicates that the project has her seal of approval, so it's possible that this will be enough to get Reeves and Moss on board.

Of course, the fact that Lana Wachowski is executive producing The Matrix 5 indicates that the project has her seal of approval, so it's possible that this will be enough to get Reeves and Moss on board. Still, with the already extended ending Neo and Trinity received, these stars may be hesitant to push it and risk their legacy roles in another possible box-office bomb like The Matrix Resurrections. It seems more likely that Reeves and Moss would agree to return for cameos rather than as The Matrix 5's stars.

How Matrix 5 Can Bring Back Neo & Trinity

Neo & Trinity Can Be Brought Back Even If The Matrix 5 Doesn't Continue Their Story

The question of bringing Neo and Trinity back was far more pressing going into The Matrix Resurrections since the pair were both killed at the end of The Matrix Revolutions. However, thanks to the joys of science fiction, getting Reeves and Moss back in on the action was no big issue. It's ultimately revealed that Neil Patrick Harris' The Analyst resurrected both Neo and Trinity and, at the end of The Matrix Resurrections, they manage to free their minds from his control and choose to stay in the Matrix and use their "The One" powers for good.

With the prophecy that started it all more or less fulfilled, these characters' futures are better left to the imagination than redundantly played out on screen.

Since The Matrix Resurrections ends with a promising future for Neo and Trinity, it's certainly possible that The Matrix 5 could continue their story. However, this is a somewhat lackluster idea. With the prophecy that started it all more or less fulfilled, these characters' futures are better left to the imagination than redundantly played out on screen. However, Goddard's plan for The Matrix 5 could instead be to dive into the past with a prequel or perhaps tell a story that happened at the same time as Neo's. In this case, it would be no stretch for Reeves and Moss to be involved, even if they serve minor roles.