WithThe Matrix Resurrectionsnow playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max, I recently got to speak withYahya Abdul-Mateen IIabout making the highly anticipated sequel. During the interview, he talked about what surprised him about making aMatrixmovie and working with directorLana Wachowski, when he realized he was truly part of something special, why filming was a mind-bending experience, why the audition process was an unusual experience, and more. In addition,withJames Wanhaving wrapped onAquaman 2(Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom), I asked Abdul-Mateen aboutBlack Manta’s role in the sequel, and his reaction reading the script. He told me:
“It’s another exciting adventure. I think in this one we get to see what it looks like to have Black Manta more in the driver’s seat. We get to see what it looks like for him to be a little bit more in charge. We get to see more of his own personality, some of the things that he struggled with, and some of his aspirations. And what it means for him to have a bit more muscle, a little bit more power in this film. I’m excited about introducing a more fleshed out, rounded personality to the world.”
And his immediate reaction to finishing theAquaman 2script?
“I said, ‘Okay. Let’s go.’”
Since Wachowski and Warner Bros. have done a great job at not revealing what happens in the film, I’ll just sayThe Matrix Resurrectionscontinues the story of the first three films (if you don’t remember the sequels you might want to read or watch a recap) and brings backKeanu Reevesas Neo,Carrie-Anne Mossas Trinity,Jada Pinkett Smithas Niobe,Lambert Wilsonas The Merovingian, andDaniel Bernhardtas Agent Johnson. Also joiningThe Matrix ResurrectionsareJonathan Groff,Neil Patrick Harris,Andrew Caldwell,Priyanka Chopra,Jessica Henwick,Ellen Hollman,Eréndire Ibarra,Toby Onwumere,Christina Ricci,Max Riemelt, andBrian J. Smith. TheMatrix Resurrectionsis co-written by Lana Wachowski, alongsideDavid MitchellandAleksandar Hemon.
RELATED:Jonathan Groff and Neil Patrick Harris on ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and How Lana Wachowski Has Changed As a Director
Watch what Yahya Abdul-Mateen II had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about. If you missed my interview with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss where they talked abouthowJohn Wickdirector Chad Stahelski ended up in the movieyou might want to check it out.
