NYCC’s “The Cast of The Matrix” panel showed us just how deep the rabbit hole goes with two stars. Moderated by Josh Horowitz, actors Joe Pantoliano and Laurence Fishburne took the audience through the process of walking the path.
The first clip shown was Neo’s introduction to Morpheus, who Fishburne described as “the dark mentor and light mentor combined.” Fishburne remembered watching the film for the first time, after time had passed since filming, and yelling “don’t trust [Morpheus]” because he was so engrossed with the way he was shot. There were so much artistry that went into every single frame of this film, you can come back to it over and over again. The two actors quickly cracked jokes about being fans of the film and the process of making the film.
The next clip was arguably the best scene in the film: the Steak Scene, which is proof that the Wachowskis are “jokesters”, according to Pantoliano. The scene certainly got a big laugh from the audience and made this observer appreciate it in a different light.
The final portion of the panel was mostly focused on the film’s permanence in pop culture. Horowitz asked if either actor had any interest in the new Matrix film Drew Goddard is allegedly writing. Considering Pantoliano’s “Do you have his number?” response, it’s safe to say both actors are interested. Professor X in the MCU was cited as another possibility that could be explored in the future, according to Fishburne. However, he revealed there is no interest in joining Disney’s other action property, Star Wars, even though he fully enjoys it.
Additional highlights from this panel included Pantoliano discussing his involvement in Marvel Television’s upcoming Wonder Man starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Sir Ben Kingsley. Pantoliano described the humor of working with the Proper British Kingsley not calling him his usual moniker “Joey Pants” but instead “Lord Trousers” or “Joseph Trousers”.
With three Matrix films between the two of them, Laurence Fishburne and Joe Pantoliano have solidified their status as legends in the action science fiction genre. Modern action films, especially in the special effects heavy superhero genre, “wouldn’t look the same” without The Matrix, said Fishburne. Eat a juicy, delicious steak and catch The Matrix on Hulu or TBS right now.
You must be logged in to post a comment.