The 5 Major Projects Laurence Fishburne Is Dominating In 2025: From Sci-Fi Thriller To Director’s Chair

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Laurence Fishburne, the legendary actor whose career spans over five decades, is currently experiencing one of his most diverse and prolific periods, with a slate of major projects dominating the big screen and the stage in late 2024 and throughout 2025. As of December 2025, the star is not only preparing for the release of several highly-anticipated films—including a major sci-fi thriller and an espionage movie with Rami Malek—but he is also stepping behind the camera for a new directing project, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most enduring and versatile talents. His recent appearances at events like New York Comic Con have also provided fresh insight into his willingness to revisit iconic roles, particularly his beloved character Morpheus.

The veteran performer, known for his commanding presence and deep, resonant voice, continues to challenge himself with roles that span genres, from gritty crime dramas to blockbuster action franchises and deeply personal stage productions. This period marks a significant chapter in his career, showcasing his ambition not just as an actor, but as a producer, writer, and director, ensuring his influence on the entertainment landscape remains profound and continuously evolving.

Laurence Fishburne III: A Comprehensive Biography Profile

Laurence John Fishburne III was born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia. His mother, Hattie Bell, was a junior high school science teacher, and his father, Laurence John Fishburne Jr., was a juvenile corrections officer. Fishburne's family moved to Brooklyn, New York, after his parents separated, and he began his acting career early, landing his first professional role at the age of 10.

His early career highlights include a role on the soap opera One Life to Live and, famously, being cast at age 14 in Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 epic war film, Apocalypse Now, where he lied about his age to secure the part. This set the stage for a career defined by powerful, memorable performances.

Key Career Milestones and Entity Roles:

  • Early Breakthrough: Apocalypse Now (1979) and Boyz n the Hood (1991).
  • Oscar Nomination: For his portrayal of Ike Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993).
  • Iconic Role: Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy (1999–2003).
  • Blockbuster Franchises: The Bowery King in the John Wick series (2017–2023).
  • Television Success: Starring roles in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and as Pops in the acclaimed sitcom Black-ish.
  • Theater: Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for Two Trains Running (1992).

Fishburne's commitment to both stage and screen has earned him multiple awards, including an Emmy and a Tony Award, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected actors of his generation. His dedication to craft continues to drive his diverse project choices, right into the current year.

Upcoming Cinematic Dominance: New Movies and Thrillers Slated for 2025

The 2025 slate is packed with major film releases that will see Laurence Fishburne take on challenging, high-stakes roles across multiple genres. This run of projects demonstrates his versatility and his continued ability to anchor a major Hollywood production. The anticipation for these movies is high, particularly for the espionage and sci-fi thrillers.

The Amateur: Espionage and High-Stakes Action

One of the most talked-about upcoming films is the espionage thriller The Amateur, where Fishburne stars alongside Oscar-winner Rami Malek. The film focuses on a CIA cryptographer who blackmails the agency into training him for a field assignment after his wife is tragically killed in a terrorist attack. Fishburne's role, likely a high-level agency figure, will add his signature gravitas to the intense narrative. The ensemble cast also includes Rachel Brosnahan and Caitríona Balfe, making it one of the most anticipated thrillers of 2025.

The Astronaut: A Pulse-Pounding Sci-Fi Nightmare

Fishburne will delve deep into the psychological thriller realm with The Astronaut, co-starring Kate Mara. The plot centers on an astronaut who returns to Earth after a mission, only for her body to be found mysteriously floating in the Atlantic Ocean. Fishburne plays the general tasked with overseeing her recovery and the subsequent investigation. This film promises to be a tense, claustrophobic sci-fi experience that explores themes of identity, paranoia, and the unknown dangers of space. The trailer alone has generated significant buzz among sci-fi enthusiasts.

Stepping Behind the Camera: Directing 'The Rule of Nines'

Beyond his acting commitments, Laurence Fishburne is expanding his creative footprint by taking on a new role as a director. He is set to helm the upcoming movie The Rule of Nines, a project written by John Connor. This move is significant, as it shows the actor is not content to rest on his laurels but is actively seeking to shape the storytelling process from a new perspective. Fans and critics are eagerly awaiting details on the genre and cast, but Fishburne’s involvement as a director is a clear signal of his commitment to cinematic artistry. This directorial effort follows his previous work on the 2000 film Once in the Life.

The Return of Morpheus? Fishburne’s Candid Comments on The Matrix and the MCU

One of the most compelling pieces of recent news comes directly from Fishburne regarding his iconic past roles. During a panel at the 2025 New York Comic Con, the actor was candid about his willingness to return to two of the biggest franchises in cinema history: The Matrix and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The Morpheus Condition: A Good Script

When asked about the possibility of reprising his role as Morpheus in a future Matrix film, Fishburne’s answer was pragmatic and focused on quality. He stated he would absolutely return, but only "if the script is good" and "if it makes sense." This response resonated with fans who appreciate his dedication to maintaining the integrity of the groundbreaking science fiction series. His absence from the fourth film, The Matrix Resurrections, was noted, and his conditional openness has sparked fresh speculation about the future of the franchise and the potential for a true Morpheus reunion.

Seeking a New MCU Role

Fishburne also revealed an interesting desire to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in a completely different capacity. He previously played Bill Foster, a scientist who becomes the super-villain Goliath, in Ant-Man and the Wasp. However, at the 2025 Comic Con, he expressed interest in taking on a new, unrelated role within the MCU, particularly as the franchise integrates characters like the X-Men. This ambition to play a new character in the same cinematic universe highlights his enthusiasm for the superhero genre and his belief in his ability to inhabit diverse roles, even within a single, shared world.

Honors, Stage Work, and Continuing Legacy

Laurence Fishburne's influence extends beyond film sets and into the world of theater and professional recognition. His work ethic and artistic achievements are being celebrated with major honors and a return to the stage.

The Inaugural James Earl Jones Prize

In a major career highlight, it was announced in late 2025 that Laurence Fishburne is set to receive the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize at the 2026 Voice Arts® Awards. This prestigious award recognizes actors whose voices have had a profound and lasting impact on the world of entertainment. Given Fishburne’s distinctive and powerful vocal presence, which has been a hallmark of roles from Morpheus to the Bowery King, this recognition is a fitting tribute to his contribution to the dramatic arts.

A Personal Return to the Stage

Demonstrating his roots in theater, Fishburne has also been captivating audiences with his new one-man show, Like They Do In The Movies. This personal and intimate production allows the actor to connect with the audience on a deeper level, sharing stories and reflections from his decades-long career. The show, which was performed in late 2025, is a testament to his commitment to the stage and his desire to explore different forms of storytelling, offering a unique glimpse into the man behind the iconic roles.

The combination of major theatrical releases like The Amateur and The Astronaut, his new venture into directing with The Rule of Nines, and his well-deserved recognition with the James Earl Jones Prize ensures that Laurence Fishburne remains one of the most relevant and exciting figures in Hollywood today. His career is a masterclass in longevity, versatility, and maintaining artistic integrity across every project he undertakes.

laurence fishburne
laurence fishburne

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