According to The Wrap, Fishburne told New York Magazine that he was never approached about joining the upcoming Matrix sequel, even though several actors from the original trilogy are returning to reprise their respective roles. "I have not been invited. Maybe that will make me write another play. I wish them well. I hope it's great," Fishburne told the publication.

Deadline first revealed back in March that production on the Warner Bros / Village Roadshow pic was pausing in German city Berlin due to the disruption. Filming is now back underway, with star Keanu Reeves making an appearance in a video interview with AP to update on its prospects. “Everyone loves the project and if you’re ever going to get in a situation that needs to be figured out…show business people are the best,” said Reeves. “We’re scrappy, we know how to get stuff done, we’re inventive, we think on our feet. It’s a great honor and I’m grateful to be working.”

Regarding the COVID-19 safety measures the studio is taking, the actor said the protocols have been effective and not disruptive to date. “There’s thoughtful, effective protocols in place. The rhythm of filmmaking has not really been interrupted or impacted, and that’s because of all the hard work and organization.” Lana Wachowski is helming the fourth entry in the big-grossing sci-fi franchise, some 17 years after the release of the third film. Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett Smith are all returning, alongside newcomers Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Henwick, Ibarra, Neil Patrick Harris, Toby Onwumere, Brian J. Smith,  Eréndira Ibarra, Andrew Caldwell and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Warner Bros moved the pic to April 1, 2022, from its original May 21, 2021 date, after the delay.

Laurence Fishburne's absence from the cast list might be because Morpheus was killed in The Matrix Online, an MMORPG that continues the saga of The Matrix movie trilogy. The game tells the story of Morpheus' attempts to recover Neo's body from the Machines and his subsequent rampage through the MegaCity. The Machines respond by sending the Assassin after Morpheus who later dies from gunshot wounds.