This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the first Japanese release of The Matrix Reloaded / 「マトリックス リローデッド」, the second chapter in the Wachowskis’ landmark science-fiction trilogy.
Released in Japan on 7 June 2003, the film reunited Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving in an expanded conflict between humanity, the machines, and the hidden systems controlling the Matrix.
This minimalist advance design uses two monumental character portraits, mirrored sunglasses, and cascading green code to create one of the most recognisable Japanese posters from the early-2000s cyberpunk era.
Film background
Six months after the events of The Matrix, Neo has accepted his identity as the One and is operating alongside Trinity and Morpheus in the human resistance.
The last human city, Zion, faces destruction as an enormous machine army drills towards it. Morpheus remains convinced that Neo can fulfil the prophecy and end the war, but Neo is troubled by recurring visions of Trinity’s death.
To reach the Source of the Matrix, the group must locate the Keymaker, a programme held captive by the Merovingian. Their mission leads through increasingly complex layers of the simulated world and reveals that the prophecy itself may be another mechanism of control.
Meanwhile, Agent Smith has become a rogue programme. No longer restricted by the system that created him, he can copy himself onto other inhabitants of the Matrix, transforming into a rapidly multiplying digital threat.
The film was written and directed by the Wachowskis, with music composed by Don Davis.
The production greatly expanded the world introduced in the original film, combining philosophical science fiction with wire-assisted martial arts, extensive visual effects, and the celebrated multi-vehicle freeway chase.
Poster design
This striking Japanese poster is divided between enormous close-up portraits of Neo and Trinity.
Neo occupies the left side, while Trinity appears at right. Both wear narrow mirrored sunglasses and high black collars, reducing the figures to the sleek, controlled visual language established by the first film.
Reflections within their lenses provide glimpses of the sequel’s major action sequences. Neo’s glasses suggest the confrontation with the multiplying Agent Smiths, while Trinity’s reflect the vehicles and movement associated with the freeway pursuit.
Between the two faces descends the franchise’s famous green digital rain, formed from glowing symbols and fragments of Matrix code.
The code continues across their black clothing and into the lower section, making the characters appear to emerge directly from the simulated system.
The Japanese title reads:
「マトリックス
リローデッド」
Translated:
“The Matrix Reloaded.”
The title is rendered in metallic white lettering over translucent green horizontal bars, resembling a digital interface or computer display.
Directly beneath appears the Japanese release date:
「6.7」
This announces the film’s opening on 7 June 2003.
The official website:
appears near the lower edge, together with the period marks for Village Roadshow Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures.
The absence of conventional taglines, cast billing, or narrative montage gives the poster an unusually refined and futuristic character. It relies entirely on the established visual identity of the Matrix franchise: black clothing, reflective lenses, coded imagery, and an atmosphere of technological control.
Condition
Excellent condition. A highly attractive and well-preserved example retaining deep black tones, vivid green code, sharp photographic detail, clean metallic typography, and excellent overall display impact.
There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.
Reference: J300.
Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s first-release 2003 campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.
It is now over 20 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
