After months of rumors and speculation, Warner Bros. confirmed that a fourth Matrix film is in active development, with co-director Lana Wachowski and stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss expected to return. However, not included in the announcement was Laurence Fishburne, who portrayed the fan-favorite mentor Morpheus across the original sci-fi trilogy.According to Variety's Justin Kroll, sources close to the production have indicated that studio execs may be searching for an actor to portray a younger incarnation of the character for the planned sequel.

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With Reeves and Moss both reprising their roles as Neo and Trinity, it's unclear if a young Morpheus would appear in flashback sequences or in another unknown capacity. It's also unknown if Fishburne will appear in the sequel at all.

Prior to the film's confirmed development, rumors had surfaced in June that Michael B. Jordan was interested in starring in the film in an unknown role, as well as co-producing it. With Warner Bros. planning to produce the film through a different production company, though, it remains to be seen if Jordan is involved with the sequel plans and if the rumored role was that of a young Morpheus.

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