‘The Matrix 4:’ ‘Spartacus’ Star Ellen Hollman Joins Cast

The Matrix 4 continues to beef up its roster as Spartacus star Ellen Hollman joins the cast according to The Wrap. She’s the latest addition to the star-studded ensemble alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, and Abdul-Mateen II.

Hollman will appear in an undisclosed role alongside the film’s returning stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Aside from her role as Saxa in Spartacus, Hollman is also known for her role as Zypher on AMC’s Into The Badlands. Her other credits include CSI, NCIS: New Orleans, Hawaii Five-O, 911, and SIX. Hollman is also set to appear in Paramount’s Monster Problems alongside Dylan O’Brien, Michael Rooker, and Jessica Henwick. Aside from her acting, Hollman is also bringing her skills as a trained Jiu-Jitsu martial artist to the Matrix.

Plot details of the Matrix 4 are being tightly kept under wraps. However, production has already begun and is currently in San Francisco. And based on several set videos, the film is ready to continue the legacy of the trilogy with an explosive take. There are also speculations as to how the role of Morpheus will be handled as there is still no news of Lawrence Fishburn returning. Rumors say that the film might feature a younger version of him.

Lana Wachowski is also back to write and direct Matrix 4. She is co-writing the script alongside Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell. In an interview in 2019, the director expressed her joy in being able to continue to tell the story of the Matrix.

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

Wachowski is also producing the film with Grant Hill. Jose Luis Escolar, Terry Needham, and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers. Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures will distribute globally.

The first film in the franchise came out in 1999. It celebrated its 20th year anniversary in 2019. Due to the overwhelmingly positive reaction to it, it was quickly followed by The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Both films were released in 2003 only a few months apart. It has since gained a decent following. All three films have also earned $1.6 billion worldwide making it one of the most successful film franchises of the past two decades. The Matrix 4 is set to hit theatres on May 21, 2021.