Neil Patrick Harris Joins the Cast of 'Matrix 4'

According to Variety, American actor Neil Patrick Harris has just joined the cast for the upcoming fourth installment to the Matrix franchise.

The news comes surrounding reports that Jada Pinkett Smith is currently in talks to reprise her role as Niobe. Harris — whose notable works include How I Met Your Mother, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Downsizing, and Gone Girl — will be starring alongside original cast members Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, as well as new member Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who has previously confirmed to take on a lead role. While there have been rumors about a possible Morpheus involvement, there’s no news from either The Wachowskis or Laurence Fishburne himself about his reprisal of the role.

Though the first three movies of the franchise were directed by both the The Wachowskis, Lilly Wachowski is reportedly not going to be directing the upcoming installment. Lana Wachowski will be writing and directing the film alongside Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell, as well as producer Grant Hill. “Lana is a true visionary — a singular and original creative filmmaker — and we are thrilled that she is writing, directing and producing this new chapter in The Matrix universe,” said Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich.

“Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now,” said Wachowski. “I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”

There’s currently no official information about the plot or a release date, but shooting is reportedly slated to begin early 2020. Stay tuned as more news is due to roll in.

Elsewhere in entertainment, Joker has now become Warner Bros.’ highest grossing film of 2019.