10 Movie Actors Who Weren't Asked To Return For The Sequel

Summary

Movie sequels sometimes recast actors or write out characters for various reasons, like moving in a different direction with the plot.
Actors may be replaced due to conflicts or legal issues, even leading to major roles being cut.
Some actors may not return for sequels due to script decisions or scheduling conflicts, impacting the series.

Movie producers may decide not to ask a particular actor back for a sequel, sometimes leading to movie sequels recasting important characters. The reasoning for not inviting an actor back may be completely neutral as far as the actor is concerned; the team behind the new movie simply decided to move in a different direction with the plot, which didn’t include that actor’s character. However, this does give the sequel more to prove, because if it is not well received, the fans may feel like a great actor was dismissed for no reason at all.

Additionally, movie sequels cutting main characters can be due to less friendly reasons, such as the actor in question not getting along with their co-stars or the crew. Studios may end up making arbitrary decisions that will generally favor better-known actors. The public isn’t likely to ever know exactly what happened, with different news outlets reporting contradicting stories from the opposing sides of an argument. Letting go of an actor who doesn’t want to leave is a risk when replacement actors have failed major movie franchises; the reasons for not inviting them back need to be good.

Related 10 Actor Exits That Destroyed A Movie Franchise

Not every franchise depends on its actors coming back for every film, but in some cases, when great actors leave, it lessens the series overall.

10 Linda Fiorentino As Agent L

Did Not Return For Men In Black II (2002)

Dr. Laurel Weaver a.k.a. Agent L is a more important character in Men in Black: The Animated Series from the late 1990s, which led people to believe that she would be just as important in the franchise’s live-action movies. However, after the first movie, Agent L was written out of the new series. It is mentioned in Men in Black II that she has returned to the medical sector, explaining her absence but allegedly not doing the character the disservice of saying that she had up and quit the MIB organization.

Behind the scenes, Men in Black producer Laurie MacDonald said they concluded that there was not a place for Agent L in the sequel’s story, although they “would have loved to have” Linda Fiorentino back (via MovieWeb). Agent L possibly would have taken up screen time in the movie that is supposed to be about Agent K’s return. On the other hand, Kristen Lopez reported rumors (via rogerebert.com) that Tommy Lee Jones would only return if Fiorentino wasn’t invited back because she was “hard to work with.”

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A police officer joins a secret organization that polices and monitors extraterrestrial interactions on Earth.

Director Barry Sonnenfeld Release Date July 2, 1997 Cast Tommy Lee Jones , Rip Torn , Linda Fiorentino , Will Smith , Vincent D’Onofrio Runtime 98 minutes
Men in Black II PG-13ActionAdventureComedySci-Fi
Men in Black II is the second film in the Men in Black franchise, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Released in 2002, it follows Agent J as he enlists the help of Agent K to combat an alien disguised as a lingerie model who threatens Earth. This sequel builds upon the dynamic partnership and humor established in the original film.

Director Barry Sonnenfeld Release Date July 3, 2002 Cast Tommy Lee Jones , Will Smith , Rip Torn , Lara Flynn Boyle , Johnny Knoxville , Rosario Dawson , Tony Shalhoub , Patrick Warburton Runtime 88 Minutes

9 Ed Norton As Bruce Banner

Did Not Return For The Avengers (2012)

It would appear that Ed Norton was never invited back to the MCU after clashes between him and the crew while filming The Incredible Hulk. Following this movie’s release, The Hulk 2 was briefly discussed, but the project never got off the ground. Bruce Banner’s next appearance in the MCU is in The Avengers, for which Mark Ruffalo replaced Norton at the studio’s discretion, with Norton making it clear this was not the way he would have had things.

Reports surfaced of Norton rewriting the script while filming and not seeing eye-to-eye with Marvel Studios about many creative decisions.

Kevin Feige issued a somewhat passive-aggressive statement that they decided the movie needed an actor who would embody the spirit of it being an ensemble adventure (via Cinemablend). Reports surfaced of Norton rewriting the script while filming and not seeing eye-to-eye with Marvel Studios about many creative decisions. The Incredible Hulk having a disappointing reception didn’t help the situation, but Marvel wasn’t eager to work with Norton again regardless.

The Incredible Hulk PG-13 Sci-FiActionAdventureSuperhero
The second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is The Incredible Hulk, which was released in 2008. The film introduced a new backstory for the Hulk to differentiate it from the 2003 movie, Hulk. Actor Edward Norton played the role of the green hulk, and his alter ego Bruce Banner. He is joined by actress Liv Tyler who plays his love interest, Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Ross. Betty’s father, General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), is hoping to recreate a World War II supersoldier program and, in the process, exposes Bruce to gamma radiation that transforms him into the Hulk. He flees to find a cure for himself but is eventually tracked down by Thunderbolt, who forms an alliance with Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth). After The Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo took over the character for subsequent movies in the MCU.

Director Louis Leterrier Release Date June 13, 2008 Cast Edward Norton , Liv Tyler , Tim Roth , William Hurt , Tim Blake Nelson , Ty Burrell , Lou Ferrigno Runtime 112 minutes
The Avengers PG-13ActionSci-Fi Where to Watch
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The sixth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers is an action superhero film that sees the heroes assembled across the franchise face off with a deadly galactic threat. With the arrival of Thor’s brother, Loki, heroes such as Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man, and Black Widow are brought together to stop him from unleashing an alien race upon earth.

Director Joss Whedon Release Date May 4, 2012 Cast Chris Hemsworth , Mark Ruffalo , Robert Downey Jr. , Scarlett Johansson , Samuel L. Jackson , Stellan Skarsgård , Clark Gregg , Paul Bettany , Cobie Smulders , Tom Hiddleston , Jeremy Renner , Gwyneth Paltrow , Chris Evans Runtime 143 Minutes Expand

8 Sam Neill As Alan Grant

Did Not Return For The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Both Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler didn’t return in The Lost World: Jurassic Park due to the filmmakers’ wishing to adapt the source material faithfully. Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton had been asked by fans for years to write a sequel, which was only compounded by the movie’s success (via michaelcrichton.com). He eventually did write his only sequel novel to be the basis for a new movie, but decided that Alan and Ellie would not return. Spielberg and his team decided to adapt this story accordingly.

However, subsequent Jurassic Park movies demonstrate that the producers were always eager to have these actors back and that they were willing to return. Sam Neill returned as the lead for Jurassic Park III, with Laura Dern having a role closer to a cameo. Both actors then returned for Jurassic World Dominion, alongside their original Jurassic Park Jeff Goldblum.

Jurassic Park PG-13AdventureSci-Fi Where to Watch
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Huge advancements in scientific technology have enabled a mogul to create an island full of living dinosaurs. John Hammond has invited four individuals, along with his two grandchildren, to join him at Jurassic Park. But will everything go according to plan? A park employee attempts to steal dinosaur embryos, critical security systems are shut down and it now becomes a race for survival with dinosaurs roaming freely over the island.

Director Steven Spielberg Release Date June 11, 1993 Cast Sam Neill , Laura Dern , Jeff Goldblum , Richard Attenborough , Bob Peck , Martin Ferrero Runtime 127 minutes
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Following up on the Steven Spielberg classic adapted from the works of Michael Crichton, The Lost World: Jurassic Park is an action-adventure film that changes perspective and focuses on Jeff Goldblum’s Dr. Ian Malcolm as he is sent to investigate Isla Sorna as InGen attempts to resolve its financial woes by selling dinosaurs off to create a new theme park. However, as Malcolm warns the executives of the danger of this, terror is brought stateside when the previously contained threats run loose.

Director Steven Speilberg Release Date May 19, 1997 Cast Jeff Goldblum , Julianne Moore , Pete Postlethwaite Runtime 134minutes

7 Shia LaBeouf As Henry “Mutt” Williams

Did Not Return For Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (2023)

It is speculated that Shia LaBeouf was not asked to return for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny because he openly criticized Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. In the latest Indiana Jones movie, Indy’s son Mutt is explained to have been killed in Vietnam, which led to his parents breaking up (via usmagazine.com). Mutt is replaced by Indy’s goddaughter Helena in the narrative, providing a similar dynamic between Indy and a younger adventurer.

The emotional component of Indy’s storyline in the fifth movie is interesting, maybe demonstrating that writing out Mutt was in the best interest of the story. Director James Mangold also suggests that he was only interested in exploring the dynamic between Indy and a female character (Helena), while LaBeouf made some confident comments early on that he expected to be asked to return. He seemed to think returning would be the wrong move for him but was reportedly never even asked.

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The fourth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull sees the return of the legendary hero 19 years after his last outing. In the film, Indy finds himself in a race against KGB operatives to locate a mysterious crystal skull, aided by his former lover Marion Ravenwood and their erstwhile son, Mutt Williams. Along with Harrison Ford, Karen Allen reprises her role as Marion, with Shia LaBeouf joining the cast as Mutt.

Director Steven Spielberg Release Date May 22, 2008 Cast Harrison Ford , Shia LaBeouf , Cate Blanchett , Karen Allen , Ray Winstone , John Hurt , Jim Broadbent Runtime 122 Minutes
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the fifth entry in the Indiana Jones franchise, directed by James Mangold and starring Harrison Ford in his final portrayal of the titular character. The film will see Jones in 1969 on an adventure with his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, as they find themselves in the middle of an uneasy space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with the former enlisting the help of former Nazis with ulterior motives.

Director James Mangold Release Date June 30, 2023 Cast Boyd Holbrook , Thomas Kretschmann , Mads Mikkelsen , Harrison Ford , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Shaunette Renée Wilson Runtime 2 hours and 2 minutes

6 Kelly McGillis As Charlie Blackwood

Did Not Return For Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

According to director Joseph Kosinski, Kelly McGillis isn’t in Top Gun: Maverick because the movie was intended to “look forward instead of backward,” meaning that some legacy characters would inevitably be cut. Maverick and Iceman are the only original characters who return, not counting Rooster, who appears as a toddler in Top Gun. While Maverick’s original love interest Charlie is never mentioned in the sequel, his new partner Penny is ironically mentioned in the original.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, McGillis says that she believes looks are the reason she was not asked to return, implying that Top Gun is all about unrealistically beautiful people: “I’m old, and I’m fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is, and that is not what that whole scene is about.” However, she also said that she is glad to not get involved with the sequel and “feel absolutely secure in [her] skin.” It still might have helped for there to be one comment about what happened to Charlie in an admittedly great movie.

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In this classic action flick, Tom Cruise stars as daring young pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Among the other students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, he competes to be best in the class, and learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.

Director Tony Scott Release Date May 16, 1986 Cast Tom Cruise , Kelly McGillis , Val Kilmer , Anthony Edwards , Tom Skerritt Runtime 110 minutes
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Top Gun: Maverick is the sequel to the 1986 original film starring Tom Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a top-tier pilot in the Navy. Thirty years after the original film’s events, Maverick is asked to head up a section of the TOP GUN program to embark on a dangerous mission. Things become personal when the program includes the son of Maverick’s late friend, forcing him to confront his past.

Director Joseph Kosinski Release Date May 27, 2022 Cast Tom Cruise , Miles Teller , Jennifer Connelly , Val Kilmer , Jay Ellis , Jon Hamm , Bashir Salahuddin , Charles Parnell , Lewis Pullman , Glen Powell , Monica Barbaro , Ed Harris Runtime 130 Minutes

Related 10 Best Legacy Movie Sequels Of All Time, Ranked

Creed, Blade Runner 2049, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mad Max: Fury Road, and other movies can be counted among the best legacy sequels of all time.

5 James Franco As Will Rodman

Did Not Return For Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014)

James Franco’s character Will Rodman plays a major role in the 2011 prequel-reboot Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which launched the current highly acclaimed era of Planet of the Apes movies. The first sequel in the new series skips forward 10 years and implies that Will died of the Simian Flu. Franco said in an MTV interview that he thought he would be returning, but was ghosted by the producers (via The Direct):

“I was going to be a small part of the next one. […] Now Rupert’s not a part of it so I don’t know. My guess is I won’t be in it. Nobody’s talked to me since Rupert left.”

Franco appears in an uncredited cameo in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes through old footage. Now the Planet of the Apes franchise has completely moved on, launched 300 years forward in time. If even Andy Serkis is no longer returning, it is unlikely Franco ever will. It was decided early on that it didn’t work for Serkis to return as another character in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, but he remained involved by instructing the new mo-cap actors (via Cinemablend).

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A prequel and reboot to the Planet of the Apes franchise, Rise of the Planet of the Apes stars James Franco as pharmaceutical chemist Will Rodman. While working with apes, Rodman befriends Caesar (Andy Serkis), a particularly intelligent chimpanzee. Not all humans are as gentle with the apes as Rodman, however, and Caesar is destined to start the line of super-intelligent apes that will one day inherit the Earth.

Director Rupert Wyatt Release Date August 5, 2011 Cast James Franco , Andy Serkis , Tom Felton , John Lithgow Runtime 105 Minutes
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes PG-13ActionAdventureDramaSci-Fi Where to Watch
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A decade after a deadly virus decimates humanity, a burgeoning society of intelligent apes, led by Caesar, finds its peaceful existence threatened by a group of human survivors who stumble upon their sanctuary. As both sides grapple with fear and mistrust, Caesar works to broker peace despite growing hostilities. The tension escalates, leading to a dramatic clash that will determine the future of both species.

Director Matt Reeves Release Date July 11, 2014 Cast Gary Oldman , Keri Russell , Andy Serkis , Jason Clarke Runtime 130 Minutes

4 Rachelle Lefevre As Victoria

Did Not Return For The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

Depending on how one looks at it, Rachelle Lefevre *might* have been invited to reprise the role of Victoria in Twilight — but was then uninvited. Reportedly, Twilight recast Victoria due to scheduling issues. Lefevre was replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third movie in the franchise in which Victoria serves as the main villain. The chain of events is muddled, but it began with Lefevre contesting Summit Entertainment’s reasoning for recasting her.

The actress had signed up for what she felt was a reasonable 10-day filming commitment for another project when Twilight came back around, but Summit refused to accommodate her.

Lefevre said that she was “fully committed” to Twilight and did her best to keep her schedule open for the sequels, potentially turning down some major career opportunities (via accessonline.com). The actress had signed up for what she felt was a reasonable 10-day filming commitment for another project when Twilight came back around, but Summit refused to accommodate her. Summit then responded that Lefevre had not informed them until the “last possible moment” and that they had to manage the schedules of the rest of the cast (via EW).

Twilight PG-13RomanceFantasyDrama Where to Watch
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Based on Stephenie Meyer’s book of the same name, Twilight follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who falls madly in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who she soon finds out is a vampire. Falling in love with her at the same time, Edward and Bella must overcome obstacles to preserve their forbidden relationship.

Director Catherine Hardwicke Release Date November 21, 2008 Cast Robert Pattinson , Ashley Greene , Peter Facinelli , Rachelle Lefevre , Elizabeth Reaser , Kristen Stewart , Nikki Reed , Jackson Rathbone , Cam Gigandet , Kellan Lutz , Taylor Lautner , Anna Kendrick , Billy Burke Runtime 121 minutes
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse PG-13AdventureDocumentaryDramaFantasyRomance Where to Watch
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In the third chapter of Stephenie Meyer’s phenomenal Twilight series, Bella Swan is surrounded by danger as Seattle is hit by a string of murders and an evil vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, Bella is forced to choose between her love, Edward Cullen, and her friend, Jacob Black — knowing that her decision may start another war in the ageless feud between the werewolves and vampires.

Director David Slade Release Date June 23, 2010 Cast Kristen Stewart , Robert Pattinson , Taylor Lautner , Billy Burke , Ashley Greene , Jackson Rathbone Runtime 123 minutes

3 Nick Stahl As John Connor

Did Not Return For Terminator Salvation (2009)

Despite serviceable performances, Nick Stahl and Claire Danes didn’t return for Terminator Salvation after playing John Connor and his future wife Kate Brewster in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Stahl was arguably done an injustice regarding the Terminator sequel, but seems to have been accepting of the situation. Namely, he was told that the reason he wasn’t returning was that the story would follow a 50-year-old John, which was true of Terminator Salvation’s original script.

However, the character was aged down to what would have been reasonable for Stahl to play due to Christian Bale — who had just made Batman Begins at the time — becoming interested in the role. Meanwhile, Danes didn’t expect to be asked to return and was not particularly interested in it. Bale didn’t last long as the Terminator lead either; the fourth movie was intended to be the start of a new trilogy, but this idea was scrapped following its commercial failure.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) RActionSci-FiThriller Where to Watch
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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is the third installment in the Terminator series, directed by Jonathan Mostow. Released in 2003, the film follows John Connor, played by Nick Stahl, as he faces the threat of a new, more advanced Terminator model, the T-X, portrayed by Kristanna Loken. Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as the T-800, sent back to protect John and ensure the survival of humanity against rising machine threat.

Director Jonathan Mostow Release Date July 2, 2003 Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger , Nick Stahl , Claire Danes , Kristanna Loken , David Andrews , Mark Famiglietti Runtime 109 minutes
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In post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor is one of the leaders of the human resistance fighting against the ever-growing army of machines intent on wiping out mankind. After young Kyle Reese befriends Marcus Wright, a former death row inmate, John Connor discovers Skynet’s plan to terminate Reese before he can travel back in time. The military leader is forced to scour the war-torn wasteland to find his teenage father to ensure his own survival.

Director McG Release Date May 21, 2009 Cast Sam Worthington , Moon Bloodgood , Christian Bale , Bryce Dallas Howard , Anton Yelchin Runtime 115 minutes

2 Sean Young As Rachael

Did Not Return For Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

The first Blade Runner movie revolves around the romance between Harrison Ford’s Deckard and Sean Young’s Rachael, the latter an artificial human. The legacy sequel continues the franchise’s AI discourse with the story of Deckard and Rachael’s daughter. Deckard appears in the movie as a legacy character, while Rachael is written out, with it being said that she died in childbirth. She makes a brief cameo hologram in Blade Runner 2049. Regarding this, Young said (via The Daily Beast):

“Wasn’t that so full of s**t? And there was nothing I could do about it. It was very clear that they knew that the audience would be upset that I wasn’t in it, but they didn’t want me to bitch about that publicly. So, they paid me some money, made me sign a non-disclosure agreement, and gave me 30 seconds. And I was like, fine. They did give my son Quinn a job on 2049 in visual arts, and I said all was forgiven. He’s got great skills.”

This prompts the question of whether Rachael should’ve been in Blade Runner 2049 for real. Rachael is of the class of replicants that only live for four years, so if the movie was going to feature a cameo of her, she would look the same as she did then through a flashback or something similar. Young still seems to think that they could have made her a better offer; she could have been invited to film a longer cameo with de-aging technology used to make her appear the same.

Blade Runner RDramaDocumentarySci-FiThriller Where to Watch
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The original Blade Runner is a sci-fi neo-noir film set in 2019 in a dystopian cyber-punk society. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard as a Blade Runner for the LAPD, tasked with hunting rogue replicants, genetically engineered humans designed to tackle tasks that human beings cannot. When four replicants go rogue and begin killing humans, Deckard is forced out of retirement to hunt them down and stop them – but the truth isn’t as simple as it seems. Deckard will have to reckon with the philosophical dilemma of what makes someone human.

Director Ridley Scott Release Date June 25, 1982 Cast Harrison Ford , Rutger Hauer , Sean Young , Edward James Olmos , M. Emmet Walsh , Daryl Hannah , William Sanderson , Joe Turkel Runtime 117 minutes
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Set thirty years after the original film, Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi neo-noir film by the director of Dune, Denis Villeneuve. The film follows LAPD replicant officer K, who discovers a devastating secret that could throw society into total chaos. To stop a potential war between replicants and humans, he’ll need to locate missing former blade runner Rick Deckard and uncover the truth.

Director Denis Villeneuve Release Date October 6, 2017 Cast Ryan Gosling , Harrison Ford , Jared Leto , Ana De Armas , Robin Wright , Lennie James , Dave Bautista , Carla Juri , Hiam Abbass , Barkhad Abdi , David Dastmalchian , Mackenzie Davis , Sylvia Hoeks Runtime 163 Minutes

Related Top Gun: Maverick & 9 Other Legacy Sequels That Topped The Original Movies

Legacy sequels are almost certainly doomed to fall short of their classic predecessors, but a rare few, like Top Gun: Maverick, topped the original.

1 Laurence Fishburne As Morpheus

Did Not Return For The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

In 2020, Laurance Fishburne told New York Magazine regarding The Matrix Resurrections (via PEOPLE): “I have not been invited [to reprise the role of Morpheus]. […] Maybe that will make me write another play. I wish them well. I hope it’s great.” Meanwhile, Hugo Weaving reportedly was in talks to reprise his role as Agent Smith; according to Collider, he had agreed to return, but this plan fell through due to scheduling conflicts. New versions of both iconic characters were replaced, although recasting Morpheus worked better than Smith.

Maybe the filmmakers thought it would work better to recast both characters. On the other hand, the Smith who appears in the fourth movie is technically the same character, while the new Morpheus is a completely different computer program. Fishburne doesn’t say whether he would have returned for the movie. However, it’s not entirely clear what the timeline is and if Weaving backing out affected Fishburne not receiving an offer.

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The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who discovers that reality is a simulated construct controlled by intelligent machines. Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss co-star as Morpheus and Trinity, who help Neo navigate and ultimately challenge the artificial world. The film blends action, philosophy, and groundbreaking visual effects, establishing itself as a pivotal entry in the science fiction genre.

Director Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski Release Date March 31, 1999 Cast Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Carrie-Anne Moss , Hugo Weaving , Gloria Foster , Joe Pantoliano Runtime 136 minutes
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Set sixty years after The Matrix Revolutions, The Matrix Resurrections is a sci-fi action movie that sees the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne moss nearly twenty years after the release of the previous film. Neo has become a game developer who struggles to grasp reality, and his concerns are validated when a new visage of Morpheus arrives to free him from his prison – a newly created Matrix. Learning that Trinity is alive and being held prisoner, Neo will join a new rebel force to save her and confront a new, dangerous foe known as the Analyst.

Director Lana Wachowski Release Date December 22, 2021 Cast Keanu Reeves , Carrie-Anne Moss , Yahya Abdul-Mateen II , Jonathan Groff , Jessica Henwick , Neil Patrick Harris , Christina Ricci , Priyanka Chopra Jonas Runtime 148 Minutes

Source: MovieWeb, rogerebert.com, Cinemablend, michaelcrichton.com, usmagazine.com, Entertainment Weekly, The Direct, accessonline.com, EW, The Daily Beast, PEOPLE, Collider

10 Movie Actors Who Weren’t Asked To Return For The Sequel