The Matrix Resurrections' runtime confirms it as the longest of the series

The Matrix Resurrections is officially the franchise's longest instalment at 148 minutes.

Confirmed via BBFC, this meaty runtime should give fans a buzz as Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprise their characters of Neo and Trinity for the first time in 18 years.

If you're considering a Matrix binge ahead of the fourth one's release next week: the original is 136 minutes long, while Reloaded is 138 and Revolutions is 129.

Related: The Matrix's Keanu Reeves wants a Constantine movie sequel

Meanwhile, the first ripples of reaction have to started to appear online following a screening of Resurrections this week.

"The Matrix Resurrections, despite (and because of) its infinite goofiness, is the boldest and most vividly personal Hollywood sequel since The Last Jedi. A silly/sincere galaxy brain take on reboot culture that makes peace with how modern blockbusters are now only about themselves," wrote IndieWire critic David Ehrlich.

"[The film] will be looked on retrospectively as truly great," tweeted Fandom's entertainment editor Kim Taylor-Foster. "Immediately after watching, I reflected on the discomfort I felt with the amount of self-reflexivity and humour which felt tonally off, but these are among its greatest achievements...

"...because to do this is YES "fresh and original" and also bold, and effective, and works with the film's – and franchise's – themes. Lana Wachowski is an artistic genius and together with Lilly, these siblings are underestimated at your peril. We don't deserve the Wachowskis."

Related: The Matrix trilogy explained: Where did we leave all the characters?

As well as Neo and Trinity, we have Aquaman villain Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as an alternate version of Morpheus, Neil Patrick Harris as The Analyst, Jada Pinkett Smith as Captain Niobe and Lambert Wilson as The Merovingian once again.

The Matrix 4 is scheduled for release on December 22, 2021 in cinemas and on HBO Max in the US.

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Dan Seddon

Reporter, Digital Spy 

Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment. 

In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.