Laurence Fishburne's enduring pain from training for "The Matrix" fight sequences: 'It's still felt in the body'

Laurence Fishburne recently reflected on the intense preparation required for his role as Morpheus in the groundbreaking sci-fi film The Matrix. Speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival, the 64-year-old actor discussed how the physically demanding training left a lasting impression on him.

Fishburne explained that he, along with co-stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, were among the first Western actors to train in the Hong Kong martial arts style under renowned choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. "He trained us extremely hard to get us to the level of professional athletes," Fishburne said, recalling the experience. "It was during that time I realized why professional athletes earn so much they are in constant pain."

The rigorous preparation produced the iconic fight sequences that became a signature of the franchise. Yet, Fishburne admits the effects of that training remain with him: "It's still in the body. We each had two trainers who pushed us to our limits."

While Fishburne returned as Morpheus in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, he did not appear in the 2021 sequel The Matrix Resurrections. Despite volunteering for the role alongside the original cast, including Reeves, Moss, and Jada Pinkett Smith, his offer was not accepted. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was cast instead to portray a new version of Morpheus, embracing the character's history while adding his own interpretation.

Reflecting on The Matrix Resurrections, Fishburne told Variety in 2022, "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and it wasn't as good as I hoped it would be."

Regarding the upcoming fifth installment of the franchise, Fishburne stated, "It depends on the circumstances, who was involved, how well the script has been written. If they offer me a part... we'll see."

Author: Connor Blake