Casting features organic diversity for the era, such as Laurence Fishburne's prominent role as the wise mentor Morpheus, which integrates naturally without clashing against the narrative or setting. While the Wachowskis have retrospectively described the film as drawing from closeted transgender experiences—with elements like the red pill symbolizing awakening and an originally planned gender-fluid character Switch ultimately toned down— these are subtle subtexts not overtly expressed through lectures, identity politics, or social justice messaging in the final product.

There were no contemporary controversies over 'woke' elements, DEI casting, or forced representation; instead, the film received universal acclaim for its spectacle and ideas. Recent discussions highlight right-wing co-opting of 'red pill' imagery, which the creators decry, but this underscores the film's neutral or even anti-establishment appeal rather than progressive dominance. Overall, any progressive undertones are incidental, background flourishes that enhance rather than intrude upon a purely entertaining, tradition-rooted narrative.