MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 15:43:02| >> :600:131241954:131241954:

Hugo Weaving explains absence from The Matrix 4

Hugo Weaving reveals that scheduling conflicts meant that he was unable to take part in the upcoming fourth film in The Matrix franchise.

Hugo Weaving has revealed that scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking part in the upcoming fourth movie in The Matrix franchise.

The unexpected sequel was announced last summer, with Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett Smith all signing up to reprise their roles in a script from Lana Wachowski.

Weaving played the malevolent Agent Smith in all three of the original films and is the most notable absence from the new movie, and in a new interview Weaving has admitted that the initial plan was for him to take part.

"Lana was very keen for me to be a part," he told Collider. "I really wanted to because I'm very, very fond of all of them.

"I had some initial reticence about the idea of going back to revisit The Matrix, after having already done three films, but then I read the script and got an offer to my agent.

"I immediately responded yes to that, and then we went into negotiation. I was doing a play, at the time, but we were working out dates and things so that I could do both.

"[But] Lana decided that she didn't wanna change her dates, so I couldn't do it. In a nutshell, that's what happened."

After a delay due to coronavirus, filming on the new movie is now back underway in Berlin ahead of its planned release in April 2022.

ID:413326: cacheID:413326:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2415:
Written by
Neil Wilkes

Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025

Restore Data
Share this article now:
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix
Read Next:
The Matrix 4 delayed until 2022 due to coronavirus
>
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Christmas Day


Gavin & Stacey: The Finale: BBC One, 9pm
Tissues at the ready - time for one last visit to Barry and Billericay

Coronation Street: ITVX, from 7am and ITV1, 8pm
It's the end of an era as Gail leaves Weatherfield after a remarkable 50 years

Doctor Who: Joy to the World: BBC One, 5.10pm
Nicola Coughlan joins The Doc for an adventure involving the mysterious Time Hotel

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special: BBC One, 3.55pm
Six celebs compete to win the festive glitterball

The King's Christmas Broadcast: BBC One/ITV1, 3pm
Charlie wishes us all an 'appy Crimbo!

Beyonce Live - Ravens vs. Texans: Netflix, 11pm approx.
Queen Bey performs a live halftime show during an NFL Christmas Day double-header

Classic Movies
Home Alone - 4seven, 6.30pm
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - ITV1, 3.10pm
Miracle on 34th Street: - Channel 4, 5pm
The Lady In The Van - BBC Two, 10.20pm
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - ITV2, 4.10pm
Toy Story 3 - BBC One, 11.20am
The Bodyguard - ITVBe, 9pm