Warner Bros. is revisiting the ‘Matrix’ universe with the announcement of a fifth movie in development. This marks the first instalment without Lana or Lily Wachowski at the helm. Instead, Drew Goddard will take on directing, scripting and producing duties alongside Sarah Esberg of Goddard Textiles. Lana Wachowski, director of the most recent ‘Matrix’ instalment, ‘Resurrections,’ will serve as an executive producer.
The cast for the new movie remains uncertain, with key characters like Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) having anchored the previous films. Other recent additions to the franchise, such as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, may or may not return.
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Plot details are under wraps, but Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures president of production, hints at a narrative that both progresses the fantasy world and stays true to the series’ essence.
“Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honouring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his love of the series and characters,” Ehrman said.
Goddard, known for his Oscar-nominated work on ‘The Martian’, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the Matrix legacy. “It is not hyperbole to say ‘The Matrix’ films changed both cinema and my life,” Goddard said. “Lana and Lilly’s exquisite artistry inspires me on a daily basis and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world.”
‘The Matrix’ franchise, which debuted in 1999, is hailed as one of the most influential sci-fi series. It spawned three sequels, with ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ marking the latest addition. Despite its legacy, the fourth instalment faced challenges at the box office, partially due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max.