Hugo Weaving isn't returning for The Matrix 4, but could Hamilton bad guy Jonathan Groff be taking on the iconic role of the villainous Agent Smith? Beginning with the release of The Matrix way back in 1999, the Matrix series is one of sci-fi cinema's most well-loved franchises. The mind-and-bullet-bending trilogy from the Wachowski sisters combined bruising martial arts action with a slick cyberpunk aesthetic, featuring awe-inspiring chases and gunfights alongside some surprisingly cerebral story-telling.

The Matrix trilogy focused on the human hacker Neo and his allies Morpheus and Trinity as they took on machines that had enslaved humanity, a force represented by the unforgettable villain Agent Smith. The series left viewers with a lot of unanswered questions such as why Neo was blinded in The Matrix Revolutions, but one thing which seemed certain at its close was that Agent Smith was dead and gone. Until now, that is.

Somehow both sadistic and unfeeling at once, Agent Smith gave this knotty, complex franchise a memorable enemy to ground its more philosophical tangents. Fans already know that Weaving won't be returning to the role in the upcoming fourth film of the Matrix franchise, as the actor attempted to work out scheduling conflicts with the directors but their efforts proved fruitless. But director Lana Wachowski has stated that she wanted a role for Agent Smith in the fourth film, leading fans to speculate on whether the part has been recast. After all, one other prominent character looks set to be replaced (possibly for a younger version) and there's some suggestion that Morpheus isn't The Matrix 4's only recast younger character. Of the available options, it seems most likely that franchise new arrival Jonathan Groff may take over the part. It has already been confirmed that the Mindhunter star will join The Matrix 4's cast, and if he does take on the role of Agent Smith the development could be great news for fans of the series.

Hugo Weaving Isn't Returning As Agent Smith In The Matrix 4


A lot of fans are simply delighted to see the franchise revived, with the long wait between films leading many among them to wonder whether the series would ever return. The return of the Wachowski sisters as directors and the presence of Keanu Reeves are two reasons that The Matrix 4 is so exciting (despite the bad sequels). However, the absence of Weaving, along with the news that the creators opted to move on from the actor rather than further negotiate their clashing schedules, came as a disappointment to a lot of franchise fans. Weaving's portrayal of Agent Smith is an iconic element of the series. His version of the villain was a memorable addition to the rogue's gallery of sci-fi baddies and has proved influential in the years since the series ended.

How Agent Smith Can Return In The Matrix 4


But viewers do know that one of the Wachowskis is on the record saying she wants to get Agent Smith in the fourth film, even if it's not clear how yet. So one of the biggest questions The Matrix 4 can answer is how Agent Smith can return. It's important to note here that Weaving's inability to return doesn't change the fact that he was asked to come back. This means there was at least a plan in place for Agent Smith to return, whether or not this was for an earlier draft of the film. Even without Weaving, there's no reason to believe that The Matrix 4's plot has changed. So given how important a character Smith is and the fact that The Matrix 4 seems to be recasting other roles too, it seems likely that one of the younger new cast members may play another take on the iconic villain. Fans have struggled to work out how many versions of the One existed before Neo, so the fourth film could show that alternative versions of his nemesis Agent Smith exist in the franchise's universe as well.

Jonathan Groff Has A Mystery Matrix 4 Role - Could It Be Agent Smith?


Played to slimy, smug perfection by Lord of the Rings star Hugo Weaving, the original Agent Smith was an unsettling onscreen presence. The actor has left some pretty big shoes for any prospective replacement to fill, but former Glee heartthrob Jonathan Groff could be up to the task. Currently, the question of who Groff, a high-profile new addition to The Matrix 4's cast, will be playing remains a mystery. There's plenty of guessing afoot in the fandom, and some have theorized that Neil Patrick Harris will be The Matrix 4's main villain.

So far though, nothing is known for sure about the roles in store for The Matrix 4's new cast. It seems unlikely that a big-budget reboot like The Matrix 4 will want to return to the same primary villain as earlier installments. But just because Smith is not likely to be the main villain doesn't mean Groff couldn't be playing a re-imagined version of the character as a lesser baddie. Of the new cast, Groff makes the most sense as an alternative Agent Smith: he's the right kind of actor for the role (as his Hamilton villainy proves), and could certainly convince as a younger version of Smith if that's the path the filmmakers decide to take. There is even some suggestion that the Matrix 4 changes the reason for the machine's simulation, so it's clear that the entire mythology of the franchise could well be rewritten by this latest installment.

What Groff As Agent Smith Would Mean For Matrix 4


But what would it mean for The Matrix 4 to replace Weaving's Agent Smith with a younger model? Well, Smith's return could have a wide range of implications for the story of the franchise, as his presence would likely necessitate time travel, a prequel approach, flashbacks, or a Neo-style revival. Of all the possibilities for who Groff could be playing, Smith may be the most interesting. His presence could also lead to the existence of an alternative Neo, or a retelling of the original films from a new perspective if he plays a younger version of Smith.

Given the complex chronology of the Matrix movies, it's hard to work out a lot of details from the film's lore. With a lot of viewers positing that this time around the main villain of The Matrix 4 will be human, not a machine, it seems possible that Harris may play this primary villain, which would leave Groff's Agent Smith open to many potential possible character journeys. His Agent Smith could be a more minor villain or even an unlikely ally of the reincarnated Neo, both options that Groff's natural charisma would be a perfect fit for.

The Matrix 4 (2022)
Release Date: Apr 01, 2022