It had been assumed that Warner Bros. was simply planning to rebootThe Matrixfranchise. Back in 2017,it sounded likesome form of reboot or legacyquel was in the works, but thenthis past May, directorChad Stahleski, who did stuntwork onThe Matrixmovies, said thatLana and Lilly Wachowskiwere involved in a fourth installment (although his rep said this was for a “hypothetical” scenario). Apparently it was slightly more than hypothetical becauseThe Matrix 4is happening in a big way.
Variety reports that Lana Wachowski will write and direct a fourthMatrixwithKeanu ReevesandCarrie-Anne Mossreprising their roles as Neo and Trinity, respectively. That’s a surprising turn of events for several reasons. For starters, the Wachowskis have worked as a team, so it’s kind of a shock to see Lilly Wachowski absent from writing and directing duties. Also, Neo and Trinity died inThe Matrix Revolutions. Trinity got mega-impaled when their ship crashed in the Machine City, and Neo succumbs to his injuries after defeating Smith inside the Matrix. Of course,The Matrixis the Wachowskis’ world and they (or at least Lana) can do whatever the hell she wants to bring these characters back. Wachowski will work on the script withAleksander HemonandDavid Mitchel. Production is set to begin in early 2020.
“Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now. I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends,” Wachowski said.
Wachowski’s not wrong thatThe Matrix(or at least the originalMatrix) still thrives today filled with interesting ideas that permeate our world. Even the sequels, which are kind of disappointing, are still reaching for big ideas, and frankly, we need that kind of audacity in our blockbuster filmmaking today. I don’t know ifThe Matrix 4will necessarily work, but with Wachowski at the helm and Reeves and Moss back on board, I’m far more excited than I would have been if this had just been an average reboot withThe Matrixbranding.
