One of the major twists in the Matrix franchise is the realization that Neo is not the first Chosen One. Already in the first part of the trilogy, the Wachowski left several clues indicating the cyclical nature of the "Savior's" fate.
1. Music and hidden messages
At the beginning of The Matrix, Neo falls asleep to the song Dissolve Girl (Massive Attack), which includes the lines:
"You are not my savior" and "Sounds like something I've done before."
This is the first hint at the repetitive nature of the Chosen One.
2. The story of Morpheus
When telling Neo about the Matrix, Morpheus mentions a man who can change the simulation, who freed the first humans. After his death, the Oracle predicted his return, a clear hint at the cycle of reincarnation.
3. The words of the Oracle
When they first meet, she tells Neo:
"Your gift may wait for another life."
The phrase seems like a metaphor, but it later turns out that it is about a literal “restart” of the program.
4. Merovingian and the "predecessors"
In Reloaded Merovingian states:
"Your predecessors were held in high esteem" and "I outlived them - I will outlive you."
This is a direct reference to the existence of past "versions" of the Chosen One.
5. Reincarnation as a reboot
The concept of reincarnation in the film is an allegory for the program cycle. The "resurrection" of Neo, Oracle and Smith confirms that in the Matrix nothing disappears — only renews.
These details show: Neo is not a unique savior, but part of a system created for control. The true breakthrough happened when he went beyond the predetermined script.
