‘The Matrix’ Sequel Adds ‘Aquaman’ Star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Lead Role

Brian Welk

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has taken the red pill and is in talks to join the cast of “The Matrix 4,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

The “Aquaman” actor Abdul-Mateen II would star in an undisclosed lead role opposite the sci-fi franchise’s returning stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as Neo and Trinity. Lana Wachowski is directing the film that’s set at Warner Bros.

Wachowski will also produce the film along with Grant Hill that Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures will produce and distribute globally. She is writing the screenplay for “The Matrix 4” with Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell.

Also Read: 'The Matrix 4' Greenlit With Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss Set to Return

Plot details are currently being kept under wraps for the sequel, which jumps off of the premise that the reality in which all humans live is actually a computer simulation controlled by an alien race harvesting the energy of mankind. In the original 1999 film, Reeves plays the hero named Neo who is destined by a prophecy to free the human race after he awakes from his dream and joins up with a team of rebels to fight humanity’s slavers.

The three previous films in the franchise – “The Matrix” from 1999, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions” both from 2003 – have earned more than $1.6 billion at the global box office and were all Top-10 domestic hits in their respective years of release. “The Matrix Revolutions” was also the first film ever to release simultaneously in every major country at the same hour around the world.

Abdul-Mateen II recently joined the cast of Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” as Black Panther activist Bobby Seale. He is also starring as the lead in “Candyman,” the horror film remake that is written and produced by Jordan Peele. He’ll also appear in the new HBO series “Watchmen.” His other credits include “Us,” “The Greatest Showman” and “Baywatch.” He’s represented by WME and Anonymous Content.

Variety first reported the news of Abdul-Mateen II’s casting.

Read original story ‘The Matrix’ Sequel Adds ‘Aquaman’ Star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Lead Role At TheWrap