The next chapter in The Wachowski’s sci-fi epic is finally here. Following an almost two-decade hiatus for Keanu Reeves’ Neo, The Matrix Resurrections could very well be the series’ proper return to form after the last two sequels failed to impress fans and critics alike.
Even though Keanu Reeves had already proved himself a capable action lead thanks to movies like 1991’s Point Break, it wasn’t until The Matrix that he became the high-profile celebrity that he is today.
It seemed like Reeves became Hollywood’s overnight sensation: a trend that’s now more prevalent than ever. It’s safe to say that we are in the middle of a “Keanu Renaissance,” with the actor seemingly appearing in every major action film that’s been made nowadays.
However, this fame has come with a cost for Reeves: while he was a somewhat fresh face in Hollywood when he starred in The Matrix, audiences have become used to seeing him as the de facto action star.
Something that has some fans worried about Keanu Reeves’ upcoming return as Neo in The Matrix Resurrections might seem like a minor gripe, but it’s a justified one: Neo looks exactly like John Wick now.
Diversifying our Heroes
In our superhero-ridden movie industry, a character that still manages to gather audiences without wearing a cape is the ultimate assassin and devout dog lover, John Wick.
Wick’s tale of revenge and stylish violence has become one of the most exciting action trilogies of the decade. What began as a man simply looking to avenge the death of his dog quickly escalated into a world full of secret assassin societies and killing gurus.
Throughout the three John Wick movies, Reeves has sported the same trademark hairdo and scruffy beard: a look that’s now as iconic as Indiana Jones’ hat. It seems like this look is one that Reeves is reluctant to change, as he’s proven time and time again.
Take, for example, his Johnny Silverhand character in the video game Cyberpunk 2077. Even though he’s playing a cyborg from the near future, it looks like John Wick with some cool sunglasses and a robotic hand.
If the latest The Matrix Resurrections trailers are anything to go by, it seems like Keanu Reeves will be keeping the ‘John Wick’ look even when he plays Neo, something that does not sit all too well with some fans.
Back in Character
The Matrix Resurrections isn’t just the first time in almost twenty years that we’ll see a new live-action Matrix film, it’s also supposed to be Neo’s triumphant return. The impact of seeing Neo back in action is a bit lessened when all you can see is John Wick dressed in a trenchcoat and with a green filter all over.
Some actors are cast so perfectly in their roles that they effectively become their characters. Reeves’ case seems to be the opposite: it’s almost like he’s always playing himself in every movie he’s in.
Just recently, Reeves co-starred in Bill & Ted Face the Music: a movie that was also a revival of an iconic franchise. The difference is that, in that movie, Reeves actually sacrificed his beard to look more similar to what he did in the original film.
It might take some time to readjust to the new long-haired bearded Neo in The Matrix Resurrections. However, one thing is for sure: telling everyone that The Matrix Resurrections is about John Wick entering the Matrix is a hell of a great way to build some hype for the upcoming film.