MOVIE NEWS – The Matrix: Resurrections, starring Keanu Reeves, has officially been given an R-rating for violence and profanity in the US.

The Matrix: Resurrections has now officially received an R rating, confirming that the film is following in the footsteps of its predecessors. The sequel to the upcoming sci-fi action film has been given a Rated R for “violence and profanity”, suggesting that the immersion into the digital world of The Matrix will once again feature some very hardcore bullet-spraying action sequences that audiences can expect. The R stands for “Restricted”, meaning that a parent or adult must accompany those under 17.

The Matrix: Resurrections is directed by visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski, who this time is going it alone, without her co-director and sister Lilly Wachowski. The film is the fourth instalment in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined the sci-fi and action genres in 1999. While many of the plot twists and turns will undoubtedly remain largely a mystery, the official Warner Bros. synopsis has provided some clues. “In a world where there are two realities – everyday life and what lies beyond it – Thomas Anderson must once again choose whether to follow the white rabbit”, reads the synopsis.“Choice, though an illusion, is still the only way in or out of the Matrix, and it is more robust, safer and more dangerous than ever before.”

From the fresh trailer, we can see that Reeves’ Neo has re-entered the titular world and now goes by Thomas Anderson. The former chosen one is haunted by visions of his epic past and forced to take blue pills to keep his destiny at bay, but will it be enough to keep him from rediscovering the truth? No, it clearly won’t be enough.

Despite speculation to the contrary, it seems that Resurrection of the Matrix will pick up years after the events of the 2003 Matrix Revolutions, with the lead character once again being played by Keanu Reeves as Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity. The highly anticipated sequel will feature a stellar cast of stars alongside the two leads: Jessica Henwick (Iron Fist, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens), Jonathan Groff (Hamilton, Mindhunter), Neil Patrick Harris (Gone Girl), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Quantico), Christina Ricci (Escape from the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles), Telma Hopkins (Dead to Me), Eréndira Ibarra (Sense8, Ingobernable), Toby Onwumere (Empire), Max Riemelt (Sense8), Brian J. Smith (Sense8, Treadstone) and Jada Pinkett Smith (Angel Has Fallen, Gotham).

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II joins the Resistance as Morpheus, a younger version of the freedom fighter and mentor played by Laurence Fishburne in the original Matrix trilogy. The actor recently revealed some information about the character’s mysterious resurrection, saying, “I think what the script provided was a new narrative and some new possibilities that gave a place within the Matrix universe for a new Morpheus,” he explained. “It’s a different version of the character. I’m playing a character who is aware of the history of the Matrix [and] Morpheus. This character is on a journey of self-discovery right now. A lot of our story is about evolving, finding your path. Morpheus is not exempt from that.”

The Matrix Rises will be released in theatres nationwide on December 22, 2021, and will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from the theatrical release.