Extract the red pills; we are delving deep into the rabbit hole once again. Yes, The Matrix 5 is officially in the works. That might come as a bit of a surprise, given the disastrous result of The Matrix Resurrections in 2021. Although it had a decent critical reception, that film grossed “only” $157 million against a $190 million budget. But it looks like Hollywood isn’t giving up on the Keanu Reeves-led franchise just yet.
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Drew Goddard, best known for directing “The Cabin in the Woods” (2011) and Oscar-nominated for co-writing the script of “The Martian” (2015), has been tapped to helm The Matrix’s next installment. This will mark the first Matrix film that is not directed by a Wachowski. Lana Wachowski, who - along with sister Lilly - has been instrumental in developing The Matrix over four films, will now take an executive producer role. In a statement, Warner Bros Motion Pictures president of production Jesse Ehrman reiterated the studio’s intention to offer “a unique perspective” on the Matrix world while honoring Lana and Lilly’s 25-year-plus legacy.
The Matrix 5
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“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 honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters," he said. "The entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making this new 'Matrix' film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio.”
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The appointment of Goddard seems to be a step in the right direction for the film series. The writer-director, whose other credits include “Cloverfield” and “World War Z”, is no stranger to the science fiction genre. His fresh input might be just what’s needed to rejuvenate the franchise. Plus, he seems to be a fan of the material, always a huge advantage.
“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 5
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What it’s about
As of now, details of the film’s synopsis remain under wraps. The film is currently deep in pre-production with no release date set, so it might be a while until we get a significant update. However, if we’re to theorize, the most obvious pathway the film can take is to pick up where the last film left off. The Matrix Resurrections ended with Neo (Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie Ann-Moss) successfully gaining control of The Matrix with grand plans to remake it. That open-ended conclusion leaves a breadth of possibilities that Goddard can explore:
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What does it mean now that our underdog heroes control The Matrix? Will they try to free more minds, reshape the Matrix entirely, or simply live peacefully? The recast Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is apparently also part-Agent Smith now. What does it mean for the future? And will we ever see Hugo Weaving and Laurence Fishburne back in their iconic roles?
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The film introduces the idea of coexistence between men and machines. Is there potential for lasting peace, or will a new war eventually break out? Given the discourse on Artificial Intelligence (AI) we’re having in the real world, this topic seems as timely as it comes. Of course, the filmmaker can always wipe the slate clean and put his own spin on it. No matter what he does, the main question that will be on everyone’s mind is the same: Keanu Reeves return?
The Matrix 5
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For over a quarter of a century, Keanu Reeves is the face of the franchise, along with Carrie Ann-Moss and Laurence Fishburne. His presence in the sequel will be paramount for the film’s success. The actor has had something of a resurgence of late, thanks to his other film franchise, John Wick, introducing him to a whole generation of fans enamored by his cool charisma and dedication to practical stunts. However, in a 2021 interview with Empire, the actor played coy when asked about a possible return to the Matrix universe. Eventually, Reeves revealed his one condition to return: "If (Lana) invites me again, I’m in."
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Given the longstanding relationship between the star and the filmmaker - who catapulted Reeves to stardom by casting him over bigger names back in 1999 - it’s no surprise that Lana’s blessing means everything to him. Lana Wachowski might no longer be writing and directing the upcoming film, but her involvement as an executive producer could play a critical role in luring the star back into the fold.
The Matrix 5
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Whatever happens, the fifth film could spell the end of the line or the rebirth of The Matrix’s legacy. Combined, the four films have grossed $1.79 billion worldwide, mostly from the original trilogy. The fourth film was a critical and commercial misfire, but the brand isn’t completely unsalvageable as long as the next film manages to find a compelling enough story to tell. No pressure!
