The Matrix 5 is officially a go, but this time without a Wachowski on the director’s chair.
Is Matrix 5 confirmed?
Yes, The Matrix 5 is confirmed. On April 3, 2024, several news outlets reported that Warner Bros Pictures has officially greenlit a fifth installment in the Matrix franchise. The new movie will be written and directed by Drew Goddard, best known for writing the 2015 sci-fi drama The Martian and directing the 2011 horror thriller Cabin in the Woods.
This will be the first-ever The Matrix movie without a Wachowski on the director’s chair. The first three The Matrix movies – The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), The Matrix Revolutions (2003) – were all co-directed and co-written by sisters Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski. The fourth movie, The Matrix Resurrections (2021), on the other hand, was directed by Lana alone.
While Lana won’t be the one helming The Matrix 5, she is still involved in the movie, as she is executive producing the project. In addition to directing the new movie, Goddard will also be producing the film, alongside his partner Sarah Esberg (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) via their Goddard Textiles banner.
“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,” said Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros Motion Pictures President of Production, in a statement. “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.”
Goddard commented, “It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life. 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.”
Is the Matrix being rebooted?
It’s not entirely clear whether The Matrix 5 is going to be a reboot. But given Goddard’s love for the previous The Matrix films, it seems likely that the new The Matrix film will be a sequel or a spinoff of some sort rather than a complete reboot.
Who will star in The Matrix 5?
While Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss have been the core stars of The Matrix franchise, their return for The Matrix 5 is uncertain. They have previously expressed willingness to return to the film series under specific conditions, but Goddard might have a different vision for the new installment. But even if it’s a spin-off or reboot, there’s always a chance for Neo and Trinity to make cameo appearances considering the nature of the Matrix world.
What is the point of Matrix Resurrections?
Narratively speaking, the most recent The Matrix movie, The Matrix Resurrections, aimed to revisit the characters and world of The Matrix, giving a new chapter to the story of Neo (The One) and his connection with humanity and the machines. The film also played with audience expectations and nostalgia for the original trilogy, while exploring themes of choice, reality, and defying predetermined paths.
Meanwhile, from a business standpoint, The Matrix Resurrections, thanks to the blockbuster status of the first three movies, had the purpose of profiting from the franchise’s returning fans and new audiences. However, unfortunately for the producers, the movie failed to surpass the box-office achievement of its predecessors.
Why did Matrix 4 flop?
The Matrix Resurrections underperformed at the box office. The movie grossed a total of $157.3 million worldwide, with $37.7 million coming from North America. This falls short of its estimated $190 million budget.
There could be several reasons for this:
- Competition: It was released alongside other big movies like Sing 2 and The King’s Man, dividing the audience’s attention.
- Mixed Reviews: The movie received mixed reviews from critics, which might have discouraged some viewers.
- Streaming Release: The movie’s simultaneous release on HBO Max (now called Max) streaming service might have reduced theater viewership.
- Shifting Audience Preferences: The Matrix may not have resonated as strongly with younger audiences unfamiliar with the original trilogy.