More than two decades after The Matrix reshaped science fiction cinema, Laurence Fishburne is sharing a behind-the-scenes story that fans will love: he helped create Morpheus’ legendary look, including those sleek frameless sunglasses that became one of the most recognizable accessories in movie history.
Speaking at New York Comic Con 2025, the 64-year-old actor — best known for portraying the wise and stoic rebel leader Morpheus — revealed that he played an active role in shaping his character’s appearance for The Matrix franchise.
Fishburne’s Vision for Morpheus’ Futuristic Style
During his panel alongside co-star Joe Pantoliano (who played Cypher), Fishburne praised the series’ costume designer Kym Barrett for her vision. “Kym Barrett did an incredible job,” Fishburne said. “All the silhouettes they designed were gorgeous.”
But when it came to Morpheus’ iconic sunglasses — rimless, temple-less, and futuristic — Fishburne recalled that the final design came from his insistence on staying true to the original storyboards.
“In the storyboards, Morpheus’ mask — I call it his mask — the glasses were on. The guy who was making them handed me a pair with stems, and I said, ‘Those aren’t the glasses,’” Fishburne shared. “He asked me what I meant, and I said, ‘Look at the storyboard. There are no stems on those glasses.’”
When the craftsman asked how they would stay on his face, Fishburne replied with a laugh: “‘That’s not my problem, son.’”
That clever exchange led to the creation of the frameless glasses that clipped onto Fishburne’s nose — a design that would become one of cinema’s most iconic accessories.
A Symbolic and Timeless Look
The frameless glasses weren’t just a stylistic flourish — they reflected the character’s personality. Morpheus, as the mentor figure guiding Neo out of illusion and into truth, needed a look that balanced futuristic style with philosophical mystery.
Combined with his long black duster coat, sharp tailoring, and calm, commanding posture, Morpheus’ wardrobe helped define the cyberpunk aesthetic that made The Matrix visually groundbreaking.
Fishburne also revealed that he kept an original pair of the custom-made glasses and gave another to a young Make-A-Wish recipient battling cancer. “He was about 11 years old back then, and he wanted to be me,” the actor recalled warmly. “It was a Make-A-Wish thing.”
Joe Pantoliano on Cypher’s Distinct Look
Fishburne’s co-star Joe Pantoliano, who portrayed the treacherous Cypher, also reflected on how the production team crafted his character’s memorable appearance — including his signature goatee.
“Yeah, they really wanted the goatee,” Pantoliano said, jokingly adding, “But I forgot and shaved it off before filming started. When I showed up, they said, ‘Where’s your goatee?’ So we started out with fake teeth until it grew back.”
Their lighthearted panel showcased the chemistry and creative input both actors brought to one of the most influential sci-fi franchises of all time.
The Matrix’s Lasting Influence on Cinema and Fashion
Released in 1999, The Matrix became a cultural and cinematic revolution, influencing everything from philosophy-driven storytelling to the visual design of action heroes. The trilogy — followed by The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions in 2003 — redefined the genre with its visionary aesthetics, martial arts choreography, and innovative special effects.
Fishburne’s portrayal of Morpheus remains one of the defining roles of his career. The actor has previously said that the character will likely be his most enduring legacy:
“It is probably the role that I’ll be best remembered for, which is great,” Fishburne told New York Magazine in 2020.
Although Fishburne did not return for The Matrix Resurrections (2021), he continues to speak fondly of his time in the franchise and the creative process that helped make Morpheus an immortal pop culture icon.
A Style That Lives On
Today, Morpheus’ frameless sunglasses remain a symbol of cinematic cool, inspiring fashion lines, cosplay, and countless references in pop culture. The minimalist eyewear even sparked real-world trends, cementing The Matrix as one of the few films whose wardrobe became as legendary as its story.
Laurence Fishburne’s hands-on contribution to that style — insisting on the details that made it authentic — proves how much of the film’s brilliance came from the collaboration between its visionary creators and its deeply invested cast.
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