The Matrix Resurrections’ Keanu Reeves on film’s ‘awesome’ trans metaphor reference
Exclusive: "I'll take a red pill - but it's getting harder and harder," says Keanu in an interview with Attitude
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Attitude/WB
Keanu Reeves has praised a reference the world of The Matrix as a trans metaphor in his new movie The Matrix Resurrections, calling it “awesome”.
Lily Wachowski, co-director of the first three Matrix films along with sister Lana, said in 2020 of what was for years just a popular fan theory: “That was the original intention but the world wasn’t quite ready,” adding “I’m glad that it has gotten out.”
Both Wachowski sisters have come out as trans since the first film; the new film is directed by Lana only.
Speaking to Attitude, Keanu – who has played main character Neo since the 1999 original – said the prospect of trans and non-binary viewers seeing the latest instalment is “exciting,” adding “hopefully they love the film.”
“Bringing people together”
The 57-year-old opined: “Yeah, I guess Lily was talking about that [the trans metaphor]. For me, anything that’s positive and good and supportive, and helps with understanding, and community and bringing people together is awesome.”
Keanu’s co-star Carrie-Anne Moss told Attitude of working with one director this time rather than two: “I definitely felt the missing of Lily, and her beautiful heart. At the same time, with Lana, it felt great.”
She added: “Her style of filming is different than it was 20 years ago. It feels so alive while you’re doing it. In that beautiful make-believe world between action and cut, often in filmmaking it’s quite short. Whereas when she opened this creative bubble, we had all this space and time to be in it.”
The film also stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman) Jessica Henwick (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens), Jonathan Groff (Looking), Neil Patrick Harris (Gone Girl) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Quantico).
The Matrix Resurrections is in cinemas from 22 December.
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