Get ready to enter the Matrix with our DIY Neo costume guide. Become the physics-bending digital avatar in a simulated world by dressing up as the iconic Keanu Reeves character. Keep reading to learn how.
“I know you’re out there. I can feel you now. I know that you’re afraid… you’re afraid of us. You’re afraid of change. I don’t know the future. I didn’t come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it’s going to begin. I’m going to hang up this phone, and then I’m going to show these people what you don’t want them to see. I’m going to show them a world without you. A world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible. Where we go from there is a choice I leave to you.”
Neo was born connected to the Matrix as Thomas A. Anderson, a normal citizen with a social security number. He had a day job as a computer programmer for MetaCortex, and he was doing alright. Then he was told that everything he thought was real, everything that he could feel, smell, taste and see, all the electrical signals interpreted by his brain, were all lies.
He had just been shown The Matrix. Some would prefer not to know, to enjoy the smell of flowers or the taste of a steak. But once you take the red pill, you cannot go back to believing that “reality” is all there is to life. You start to notice the glitches, and in Neo’s case, you want to let everyone know, for good or ill, what is truly real and what is not.
Neo’s Outfit
Neo dressed entirely in black, futuristic clothing, as did many who knew about The Matrix. He is very pale, from being in captivity like everyone else, his black hair is slicked back, he wears dark sunglasses, a black t-shirt, and black long leather trench-coat, a black belt with a silver buckle, black pants, black boots with a silver buckle, and a black machine gun. Looking at him reminds you of a futuristic film noir, which is probably all part of the design.
Items You’ll Need to Complete the Costume:
- Slicked back black hair and sunglasses
- Black t-shirt and trench coat
- Black pants and belt
- Black boots and machine gun