Hugo Weaving - The Matrix: Resurrections

When it was announced in 2019 that ‘The Matrix’ story would be continued, many assumed Hugo Weaving’s evil Agent Smith would be returning for the fourth film.

However, the actor was forced to turn down ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ because of a schedule conflict with his 2020 theatre production ‘The Visit’.

Weaving recalled: “It’s unfortunate but actually I had this offer (for ‘The Visit’) and then the offer came from ‘The Matrix’, so I knew it was happening but I didn't have dates. I thought I could do both and it took eight weeks to work out that the dates would work - I held off on accepting a role in ‘The Visit’ during that time. I was in touch with Lana Wachowski, but in the end she decided that the dates weren't going to work. So we'd sorted the dates and then she sort of changed her mind. They're pushing on ahead without me.”

As a result of his exit from the franchise, Jonathan Groff took on the role of Agent Smith.