'The Matrix Resurrections' is its own beast: Jessica Henwick

Hollywood star Jessica Henwick says she jumped at the opportunity to feature in "The Matrix Resurrections" and promises the much-awaited movie is one of its kind that will surely surprise the die-hard fans of the iconic franchise.

"The Matrix Resurrections" marks the continuation of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss' "The Matrix" trilogy that started with the original 1999 movie and followed by two sequels -- "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions" (both released in 2003).

Henwick comes to the world of "The Matrix" after being a part of the "Star Wars" saga through JJ Abrams' 2015 movie "A Force Awakens" as well as the HBO epic series "Game of Thrones", in which she played the role of Nymeria Sand.

In "The Matrix Resurrections", the 29-year-old British-Chinese actor features alongside original cast members Reeves and Moss as well as new stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

Henwick, who stars as Bugs, a blue-haired gunslinger with a White Rabbit, said she never thought there would be a new "Matrix" movie.

"I signed on because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 'The Matrix' meant a lot to me. The original film has really stayed with me all these years and I think no one thought it was ever going to come back," the actor told PTI in an interview.

The latest sci-fi feature film is written and directed by Lana Wachowski, who had famously created and helmed the original trilogy with her sister Lilly Wachowski.

Henwick said it is quite remarkable that the Wachowskis created a world with the original movies which were quite inclusive and diverse back in the 2000s.

"I think the Wachowskis were way ahead of the game. It's kind of mind-blowing when you think about how forward thinking they were," she added.

As for "The Matrix Resurrections", Henwick said Lana Wachowski's approach to the filmmaking was quite different this time around.

"Lana's approach to filmmaking is so different now. Tonally, this new one is its own beast. It has a sense of humour that I think will surprise people. And, it's very meta. The film is aware of the legend of the Matrix." Talking about her experience of working with Reeves and Moss, who returns as the fan-favourite duo of Neo and Trinity, Henwick said the two actors were quite welcoming.

"They were so lovely. I worked with Carrie-Anne before on a Netflix series ('Iron Fist'). So, we already had a good friendship and that was really nice to come into.

"But I was nervous to meet Keanu because I'm such a big fan of his, not just from the 'Matrix', but all the work he has ever done. There are very few actors who have had such a long career of so many hits and he gives the movie his all," she said.

Even after so many years, the actor said Reeves' commitment to the film franchise was inspiring.

"He puts in as much effort as I'm sure he did back in the day. And so I knew I had to meet him at that level. But he was nothing but kind, welcoming, and lovely." She said she was also in awe of Chopra Jonas, who stars as Sati in the movie.

"I love Priyanka. I love her so much. She is so warm and friendly and feels like a sister to me now. And she's so phenomenally talented. I feel very lucky to have worked with her. We still keep in touch." "The Matrix Resurrections" will be released in India by Warner Bros Pictures on December 22 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Post "The Matrix Resurrections", Henwick has two more blockbuster movies lined up for release -- Rian Johnson's "Knives Out 2" and "The Gray Man", being directed by Anthony and Joe Russo of "Avengers: Endgame" fame.

The actor said she had a "mind-blowing" experience collaborating with Johnson and The Russo Brothers.

"I loved working with Rian Johnson on 'Knives Out 2'. He's just so friendly and really talented. His grasp of characterisation is so great. If I didn't know better, I would say that he trained as an actor because he really understands people.

"And the Russos are lovely and wonderful directors. Very, very collaborative. They were always asking me how I felt about the character and what I wanted to do in the scene. And that's a blessing as an actor to work with someone so clever," she said.

"Knives Out 2" is a sequel to Johnson's 2019 whoddunit of the same name. The film will also feature Dave Bautista, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson, and Ethan Hawke.

"The Gray Man" is based on author Mark Greaney's 2009 novel and has a star-studded cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Dhanush, Rege-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton, and Alfre Woodard.