The classic, science-fiction franchise is being rebooted with The Matrix 4, titled 'Resurrections’, helmed by Lana Wachowski, in order to open its mind-bending premise to a new wave of audiences. Returning characters include Keanu Reeves’ Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss’ Trinity, with a few character names yet to be revealed, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Neil Patrick Harris, and Christina Ricci.
On the back of Warner Bros.’ fresh trailer release, viewers were quick to point out the similarities between the song lyrics and the general plot of the entire Matrix franchise. There have also been connections between the song lyrics and the plot of Resurrections and we explore the links below.
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The Matrix Resurrections Trailer Song
The song used within The Matrix Resurrections trailer is called ‘White Rabbit’ by Jefferson Airplane.
In order to discuss the relationship between the song lyrics and the upcoming Resurrections plot, we’ve included the full lyrics below:
One pill makes you larger
And one pill makes you small,
And the ones that mother gives you
Don't do anything at all.
Go ask Alice
When she's ten feet tall.
And if you go chasing rabbits
And you know you're going to fall,
Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar
Has given you the call.
Call Alice
When she was just small.
When the men on the chessboard
Get up and tell you where to go
And you've just had some kind of mushroom
And your mind is moving low.
Go ask Alice
I think she'll know.
When logic and proportion
Have fallen sloppy dead,
And the White Knight is talking backwards
And the Red Queen's "off with her head!"
Remember what the dormouse said:
"Feed your head. Feed your head. Feed your head."
How Does the Song Connect to Resurrections' Plot?
Aside from the obvious “one pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small” line as a clear nod to the franchise’s recurring theme - taking the red pill to break out of enslavement and taking the blue pill to live in ignorance - the song title ‘White Rabbit’ could reference Thomas’ dive back down the rabbit hole - taken from the classic Alice in Wonderland story.
As Thomas scatters his prescribed blue pills to keep him blissfully ignorant, the song interjects: “And the ones that mother gives you, don't do anything at all.” The lyrics “And if you go chasing rabbits" comes into play when Thomas begins to question his reality and follows Jessica Henwick’s unnamed character.
The trailer also builds towards the lyrics “feed your head”, which takes place during Thomas/Neo’s battle with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s character - who some have suggested is a young Morpheus, previously played by Laurence Fishburne.
Warner Bros.
The Matrix Resurrections will release in theaters and on HBO Max on December 22, 2021.