Veteran Hollywood star Laurence Fishburne, best known for his iconic role as Morpheus in the groundbreaking 'The Matrix' franchise, has recently shed light on the immense physical toll the films took on him. The 64-year-old actor revealed that the intense training regimen left a lasting impact, with memories of the pain still lingering in his body.
The Gruelling Regime of a Sci-Fi Classic
Speaking at the prestigious Marrakech Film Festival, Fishburne recounted the demanding experience of bringing the wise and agile Morpheus to life. He emphasized that the role was far more physically challenging than he had initially anticipated. The production brought on board legendary Hong Kong martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, who put the cast through a rigorous training program.
"We were essentially the first Western actors to work in the Hong Kong style," Fishburne stated, highlighting the unique and difficult nature of their preparation. This method involved extensive wire work and combat drills that were unfamiliar to most Hollywood actors at the time.
Training Pains Comparable to Professional Sports
Fishburne drew a direct parallel between the preparation for 'The Matrix' and the life of a top-tier athlete. He detailed the exhaustive training sessions he underwent alongside co-stars Keanu Reeves (Neo) and Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity).
"It was in the middle of that training I realized why they pay professional athletes so much money — because professional athletes are always in pain," the actor confessed. He added that the physical exertion was so severe that its echo remains with him today, noting, "I mean, it's still in the body."
Morpheus's Absence from the Latest Chapter
The conversation naturally turned to the future of the franchise. Fishburne portrayed Morpheus in the original trilogy: 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The Matrix Reloaded' (2003), and 'The Matrix Revolutions' (2003). However, he was notably absent from the 2021 sequel, 'The Matrix Resurrections', which saw the return of Reeves and Moss.
Fishburne clarified that he was open to reprising his role and had even "offered" his services to the filmmakers. Unfortunately, he did not receive an enthusiastic response, leading to his exclusion from the project. When questioned about a potential fifth film, the actor remained cautiously optimistic.
"It depends on the circumstances, who was involved, and how well the script has been written. If they offer me [a part]... We'll see," Fishburne concluded, leaving the door open for a possible return to the simulated reality that made him a global icon.
