The Matrix: Resurrections has everything a fan of the franchise could want. From a revived Neo (Keanu Reeves) to the rekindling of his love story with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), it has it all. However, the movie is missing one seminal figure: Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving).
There's a slew of reasons why Smith doesn't appear—including his death—but that's not why he's absent. The actual cause of his disappearance has to do with the actor who portrays him, Hugo Weaving. Yes, the actor could not work out a time to shoot for Resurrections due to scheduling conflicts.
In an interview with Collider, Weaving explained that he met with Lana Wachowski and almost landed a deal to reprise his role as Agent Smith. Unfortunately, Wachowski wouldn't or couldn't change the dates that conflicted with Weaving's plays. He was portraying Alfred in Tony Kushner's The Visit at the time, making it impossible for him to shoot both.
Silver Lining To Agent Smith Absence
What's interesting about Weaving's meeting with Wachowski is he was on board with the script. Despite the outcome, he stated potential interest in returning. Weaving noted that he's somewhat hesitant, having starred in three installments already, but the script changed his mind. That means fans might see Smith in the very near future.
While it's a bit premature to start thinking about a fifth Matrix movie, Resurrections has the potential to spawn another trilogy, one in which Smith returns. Assuming the fourth entry in the franchise is a massive success like we suspect it will be, Warner Bros. will probably give Lana Wachowski a call to line up future films. Keep in mind that another movie would depend on whether or not the director has more stories to tell. Of course, it seems likely. The reason audiences can rest easy also has to do with the Smith character. Since Wachowski already had a plotline fleshed out for his return, that could feasibly play out in The Matrix 5. Plus, he's got an old frenemy preparing for action.
From what we've gathered about Resurrections, it will presumably conclude with Neo rediscovering his identity in the same way he did in The Matrix (1999). That's an early prediction that may or may not come to pass. But the likelihood of Neo reclaiming his old abilities before the movie's end are high. Furthermore, he'd be ready for a fight, at least physically speaking.
With a semi-resurrected Neo back reshaping the simulated world, an antagonist of equal power would need to step up to rival him. The machines are being rendered obsolete, and there doesn't appear to be much inner conflict between humans either. So, it would make the most sense for Wachowski to resurrect Agent Smith to contend with The One.
New Turn For Weaving's Character
On the other side, nothing says Smith has to return as a villain. One of the new cast members could be the central antagonist on a different campaign of insanity, in which case, the unjacked Agent wouldn't have to be. Rogue programs like The Oracle and Seraph found purpose in helping humans, so maybe Smith has seen the light, no pun intended.
For those who don't recall, Neo also assimilated Smith during their final interaction. The exchange appeared as though The One succumbed to Smith's corrupted programming, except it was the exact opposite. Neo managed to infiltrate his foe by letting him in with the risky move, outsmarting the seemingly perfect entity. Furthermore, any resurrected version would have its' line of code rewritten, returning as a more altruistic incarnation of himself. A mentor-like Smith would be a fresh change of pace from the Agent hellbent on destruction, too. And it doesn't hurt that Weaving is much more likable onscreen as a protagonist than an antagonist.
Regardless of what Wachowski has in mind for Weaving's character, fans should temper expectations for now. There's still some time before Matrix 5 talks begin, and Hugo Weaving needs to sign on before getting ahead of ourselves. Because while the veteran actor expressed interest in Wachowski's latest script, he could sign on for another theatrical play that conflicts with Matrix shoots. Weaving, Warner Bros., and Wachowski have enough time to work things out, but the unfortunate truth is casting negotiations sometimes break down because of timing. Disagreements and compensation play some part, although they're not as influential on an actor's decision to accept/reject a role as prior obligations do. Let's just hope Weaving is free when Matrix 5 shoots roll around.
The Matrix: Resurrections premieres in theaters on December 22, 2021.