The Matrix 4: Hugo Weaving had to Turn Down Offer to Return

A lot of people are excited for Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss to come back for The Matrix 4, but there is one more franchise alum that was supposed to make an appearance, but his schedule couldn't make it happen.

Talking to Time Out London, Hugo Weaving reveals that he was asked to return for The Matrix 4, but had to turn it down because of scheduling conflicts. Weaving explains:

"It's unfortunate but actually I had this offer [for "The Visit"] and then the offer came from "The Matrix", so I knew it was happening but I didn't have dates. I thought [I] could do both and it took eight weeks to work out that the dates would work – I held off on accepting [a role in "The Visit" during that time]. I was in touch with [director] Lana Wachowski, but in the end, she decided that the dates weren't going to work. So we'd sorted the dates and then she sort of changed her mind. They're pushing on ahead without me.'

If Agent Smith's role was pushed back, then I imagine it wasn't that important at all. Then again, seeing as he was the main antagonist of the franchise, it would have been fun to see Weaving make a return—even for just a small cameo.

Though Weaving won't be coming back for the fourth film, the movie has still managed to assemble an impressive cast of fresh faces. Franchise newcomers include the likes of Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The guess is that Abdul-Mateen will actually be playing the new lead with Groff filling in for the "new Agent Smith." Again, this is just speculation, but I'm calling it now.

The Matrix 4 is set to hit theaters May 21, 2021.

Read Also: Another Sense8 Star is Returning For The Matrix 4