the matrix

Things We Saw Today: Hugo Weaving Will Not Return for The Matrix 4

Plus drive-ins, shields, and more!
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Bad news for Hugo Weaving fans: the actor who played the iconic villain Agent Smith in the Matrix films will not be reprising his role in The Matrix 4. Weaving, who played Elrond in the LOTR franchise and V in V for Vendetta, is still best known for his performance as the sinister antagonist in the landmark science fiction series.

In an interview with Collider, Weaving was in talks to reprise his role, but previous commitments to a play unfortunately kept from joining the rest of the returning cast. Weaving said,

“Lana [Wachowski] was very keen for me to be a part of [The Matrix 4]. I really wanted to because I’m very, very fond of all of them. I had some initial reticence about the idea of going back to revisit The Matrix, after having already done three films, but then I read the script and got an offer to my agent. I immediately responded yes to that, and then we went into negotiation. I was doing a play, at the time, but we were working out dates and things so that I could do both. And then, Lana decided that she didn’t wanna change her dates, so I couldn’t do it. In a nutshell, that’s what happened.”

It’s a bummer, because Weaving is so so good in the films. And Weaving seems disappointed, but understanding about the whole situation:

“Keanu [Reeves] and Carrie-Anne Moss, and some of the original Australian art department went over to Berlin with them, as well. So, there are a lot of people on that set that I would love to see again. It’s such a shame that I’m not doing it, but I’m not, and that’s fine.”

The Matrix 4 is set to premiere on April 1, 2022, but coronavirus may delay it.

(via Collider, image: Warner Bros.)

  • Despite the pandemic, Tenet has already raked in $150 million at the global box office. (via CBR)
  • Queen Elizabeth is opening up her private home, the Sandringham Estate, to host drive-in movies for the public. (via Variety)
  • Watch Mythbusters‘ Adam Savage spruce up his Captain America shield. (via io9)
  • We need to talk about Tilda Swinton’s face mask. (via Jezebel)
  • Quit your job and run a Jelly Belly factory. (via Nerdist)
  • A Stranger Things comic book is coming to tide us over until season 4. (via Syfy Wire)

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Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.