The iconic Morpheus actor opens up about the possibility of returning to the franchise — but with clear conditions.

A Key Player Weighs In

October 31, 2025: At a panel event during New York Comic Con this month, Laurence Fishburne addressed swirling rumours surrounding The Matrix 5. Asked whether he might reprise his role as Morpheus, Fishburne did not categorically rule it out. Instead, he admitted: “I can’t ignore it — the idea of returning is something I take seriously.”

He made clear, however, that any comeback would depend heavily on how the film is shaped: the script, the creative team involved, and whether the story aligns with what he sees as the essence of the original trilogy.

The Condition for His Return

Fishburne’s stance is firm: he’s open to being involved, but only under the right circumstances. He emphasised that he wants any potential return to feel genuine — not just a nostalgic cameo. He stated that if the project doesn’t deliver emotionally or philosophically, he would prefer to stay out.

This candid approach underscores Fishburne’s commitment to his character’s legacy. Morpheus has always been portrayed as more than an action figure — a philosophical guide, a symbol of freedom and choice — and Fishburne wants any future iteration to respect that.

What This Means for the Franchise

The fact that Fishburne is publicly contemplating his return adds weight to The Matrix 5 rumours — it suggests the studio may be in serious development.

His conditions hint that the film could return to the philosophical roots of the franchise rather than simply replicating its action beats.

Fans now have a clearer sense of what to expect: if Morpheus appears, his role may be more substantial than a cameo.

The involvement — or non-involvement — of Fishburne will likely shift how the film is received: his return could be seen as a sign of continuity and respect for the original trilogy.

Final Thoughts

For Laurence Fishburne, the prospect of returning to The Matrix universe is real but not automatic. He isn’t just chasing a legacy; he wants an artistic reason. In a world of franchise fatigue and reboots, his selectivity signals that if the story’s right, the Morpheus we remember could very well return — but only on his terms.