Christina Ricci has apparently joined the cast list for "The Matrix 4," which is scheduled for release later this year [Warner Bros is withholding that information Warner Bros is withholding that information However, it seems certain that she will appear in the film, and Deadline reports that her name has been added to the cast listed in the film's press kit

Rich will join Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the next film, reprising her roles as Neo and Trinity, the main characters from the original trilogy Jada Pinkett Smith also returns as Niobe, and Lambert Wilson as the Merovingian However, Laurence Fishburne will not appear in the film, saying he was not invited back, and Hugo Weaving passed on the project due to scheduling conflicts

Priyanka Chopra was one of the other new cast members and was intrigued by her role in the film, calling it "unexpected" She added, "All I can say is that it was the first film I did after we finished shooting and after the lockdown

Judging by the fact that several cast members are returning to their original roles, the film will most likely begin where the trilogy ended

In the previous Matrix universe, Neo sacrificed himself to eliminate Smith and reboot the Matrix; the fourth film will likely follow the thread of Neo's resurrection or rebirth, tying in nicely with the naming scheme of the series

The official title for "Matrix 4" has yet to be determined, but given that "Matrix Reloaded" and "Matrix Revolution" are the names of existing sequels, it will probably be the last one with one more R-word added

Whatever the name will be, it is expected to hit the screens on December 22, 2021 We will have more information as that date approaches