Following the lukewarm reception of the fourth installment in the ‘The Matrix’ series, Warner Bros. has made the bold decision to proceed with a fifth movie, indicating a steadfast commitment to the beloved cyberpunk franchise.
The announcement came on April 3rd, with Warner Bros. revealing that an untitled ‘Matrix 5’ is currently in development, albeit without the involvement of Lily or Lana Wachowski, who previously directed the initial three films, with Lana solely directing the fourth entry.
Stepping into the director's chair is Drew Goddard, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter renowned for his work on ‘The Martian.’ Goddard has also showcased his directorial prowess with films like ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale.’
In addition to directing duties, Goddard will craft the screenplay and produce the film alongside his partner at Goddard Textiles, Sarah Esberg. Lana Wachowski will retain involvement as an executive producer.
At present, details regarding casting remain undisclosed. While Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss have embodied the iconic roles of Neo and Trinity throughout the series, newcomers like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas joined the ensemble in the latest installment. Fans eagerly anticipate Reeves’ potential return.
Plot specifics are shrouded in secrecy, although Warner Bros. Motion Pictures President of Production, Jesse Ehrman, hinted at the film's direction, emphasizing a commitment to evolving the fantastical universe while preserving the essence that resonated with audiences.
Ehrman remarked, “Drew presented Warner Bros. with a fresh concept that we believe will seamlessly extend the Matrix universe, paying homage to the groundwork laid by Lana and Lilly over two decades ago while offering a distinct perspective rooted in his admiration for the series and its characters. The entire Warner Bros. Discovery team is excited for Drew to embark on this cinematic journey, contributing his vision to the rich tapestry the Wachowskis have cultivated at the studio over the past 25 years.”
‘The Matrix,’ which debuted in 1999, remains a seminal work in science fiction, influencing generations of filmmakers. Its legacy spawned three sequels – ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ in 2003, followed by 2021’s ‘The Matrix Resurrections,’ which faced mixed reception. Collectively, the franchise has amassed $1795.5 million at the global box office.
Further updates regarding the upcoming film are forthcoming, promising an exciting continuation of the beloved saga.
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