Laurence Fishburne Recalls Shaping Morpheus’s Iconic Matrix Glasses

The iconic look of Morpheus in The Matrix is legendary. Actor Laurence Fishburne recently revealed his key role in creating it. He shared the story at a recent New York Comic Con panel.

This behind-the-scenes detail highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Fishburne’s insistence on accuracy helped cement a timeless cinematic image.

A Fashion Legacy Forged in Collaboration

Fishburne began by praising costume designer Kym Barrett. He credited her with the film’s incredible and gorgeous silhouettes. Her work defined the rebels’ distinct, futuristic style.

The actor specifically focused on Morpheus’s signature sunglasses. He noticed a discrepancy between the storyboards and the physical prop. The glasses he was handed had stems, or arms, to hold them on.

The storyboards, however, showed a stemless design. Fishburne insisted the prop match the artistic vision exactly. His famous line to the prop maker was, “It’s not my problem, son.”

Why Iconic Movie Details Matter

Such details are crucial for world-building. They make fictional universes feel authentic and complete. Morpheus’s sleek, stemless glasses became a symbol of the character’s cool, otherworldly authority.

This anecdote shows how actor input can shape iconic pop culture moments. It underscores the importance of every department working from a unified vision. The result was a look that has endured for over two decades.

This revelation adds a new layer to the legacy of The Matrix. Laurence Fishburne’s commitment to detail ensured Morpheus’s glasses became an unforgettable part of film history.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How did Laurence Fishburne help design the Morpheus glasses?

He noticed the prop glasses had stems, unlike the stemless design in the storyboards. Fishburne insisted the prop makers follow the original vision exactly, leading to the iconic final look.

Q2: Who was the costume designer for The Matrix?

The costume designer was Kym Barrett. Fishburne has publicly praised her incredible work creating the film’s distinct and stylish futuristic silhouettes.

Q3: What was Fishburne’s famous line to the prop maker?

When asked how stemless glasses would stay on, Fishburne replied, “It’s not my problem, son.” His point was to faithfully execute the designed look from the storyboards.

Q4: Why are Morpheus’s glasses so iconic?

The sleek, stemless design perfectly matched the character’s calm, authoritative vibe. They became a instantly recognizable symbol of the film’s cutting-edge, cyberpunk aesthetic.

Q5: When was this story revealed?

Laurence Fishburne shared this anecdote during a panel at New York Comic Con. He was reflecting on the making of the original 1999 film.