Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s leading role as a young Morpheus in the upcoming, untitled and unexpected sequel, The Matrix 4, has been uncovered by The Illuminerdi.

The holidays came early for the film world when news broke last summer that Lana Wachowski was climbing back into the director’s chair and would be at the helm of the presently untitled The Matrix 4. Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jada Pinkett-Smith are all set to return to their iconic roles, and they are being joined by Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, and Neil Patrick Harris, among other notable additions.

Abdul-Mateen II’s career has steadily ascended over the past few years, after playing the charismatic nemesis, Black Manta, in Aquaman and gaining a new level of popularity with his jaw-dropping performance in HBO’s Watchmen. Wachowski has shown an adept eye for casting before and has seemingly struck gold again with the new star. It also seems that his mysterious role as Cal Abar has set the stage for another pull of the curtain, with his latest turn in the Matrix 4.

Abdul Mateen II in HBO’s Watchmen.

In October, Variety’s Justin Kroll broke the news that Abdul-Mateen II would be joining the cast of the new film in an unspecified role. In they report, they made mention that a young Morpheus would also appear in the film. Our sources close to the production have definitively confirmed that this younger iteration of Morpheus will indeed by portrayed by Abdul-Mateen II.

Will Morpheus “Free His Mind” In Matrix 4?

In the original film’s trilogy, Morpheus was memorably played by Laurence Fishburne. Morpheus was a rebellion leader, who found his purpose in a prophecy leading him to Reeves’ Neo. Ultimately, Morpheus both awakened Neo to the digital world around him and trained him to be G.O.A.T. of The Matrix trilogy. We were unable to confirm if Fishburne would be joining the cast in a small or cameo role, however it was relayed that Abdul-Mateen II’s Morpheus is indeed a significant leading role.

Abdul-Mateen II has been a great keeper of secrets as of late. Following his mysterious turn in Watchmen, it should give fans great comfort that the actor is capable of inhabiting and expanding iconic roles. The inclusion of a young Morpheus set to play alongside older versions of Neo, Trinity, and Niobe, opens up a multitude of questions and story possibilities. Particularly, when dealing with the world of The Matrix, which is inherently a digital sandbox. The Matrix 4 has cameras set to roll in early 2020, with the film lined up for a May 21, 2021 release date.

How do you feel about Abdul-Mateen II as the new Morpheus? Are you excited for the return of Neo in Matrix 4? Leave a comment, and check out what the casting could mean here.