The first trailer for the fourth instalment in the Matrix franchise – The Matrix Resurrections – has been published on YouTube this afternoon and every person who grew up in the 90s will likely watch it.

This iteration is being directed by Lana Wachowski alone, and based on the visuals we have seen so far, is quite the departure from what we saw in the previous films.

In the trailer we see Keanu Reeves’ Neo, or Thomas Anderson in this universe, sitting in his therapist’s chair as he struggles to come to grips with the world around him.

This is inter-spliced with scenes involving Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, who is also a bit lost in this world and several action sequences with newcomers Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jessica Henwick, although who they are playing in the film is unclear at this stage.

The same goes for Jonathan Groff at the end of the trailer, who could be the big bad for The Matrix Resurrections, but it’s too early to tell.

It is also clear that Alice in Wonderland will be a key influence, given the cover of Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit that plays throughout, along with an actual copy of Lewis Carroll’s novel appearing on-screen.

The book was a heavy influence in the first Matrix film, so it unsurprising that it returns here.

For now, and hopefully not delays change this, The Matrix Resurrections hits HBO Max on 22nd December. For us in SA, a preliminary theatrical release schedule has the film pencilled in for 24th December.

In the interim, enjoy the first trailer below.