Exciting news for fans of "The Matrix" movie franchise! The fifth installment is in the works, and Lana Wachowski, the original co-writer and co-director, is taking the lead as executive producer. So, red pill or blue pill, anyone?
A press release from Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group announced that Drew Goddard, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, will write and direct a new film. He will work alongside his producing partner Sarah Esberg. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company.
Jesse Ehrman, President of Production at Warner Bros. Motion Pictures, stated that Goddard approached Warner Bros. with a fresh idea. They believe it will be a fantastic way to expand the Matrix universe. The goal is to honor the original vision of Lana and Lilly Wachowski from over 25 years ago while also offering a unique perspective based on Goddard's own passion for the series and its characters.
Details regarding the plot and casting for the new project have not been revealed, including whether Keanu Reeves will reprise his role as Neo from the "Matrix" franchise.
CNN reached out to a representative for Reeves for comment on the new project, but did not receive an immediate response.
Goddard began his directing career with the well-received horror film "The Cabin in the Woods" in 2011. He later wrote and executive produced the movie "The Martian" in 2015, which earned him an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay.
"The Matrix," which was released in 1999, features Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, and Carrie-Anne Moss in leading roles. This dystopian science fiction masterpiece follows the story of Neo (Reeves), a computer hacker who is recruited to join a rebellion against a cyber-intelligence system when he learns that humanity is living in a simulated reality called the Matrix.
The first film in the franchise was a huge success, making over $467 million and becoming one of the most profitable movies of the year. It won four Academy Awards and led to three sequels: "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions" in 2003, and "The Matrix Resurrections" in 2021.
Over the franchise's 25-year existence, it has generated nearly $2 billion worldwide, as reported by the studio.
Editor's P/S:
The announcement of the fifth installment in "The Matrix" franchise is an exciting development that will surely thrill fans of the iconic sci-fi series. Lana Wachowski's involvement as executive producer ensures that the original vision will be respected while also allowing fresh perspectives to be brought into the fold. Drew Goddard's track record as a talented screenwriter and director suggests that the new film will be both captivating and innovative.
The absence of concrete information regarding the plot and casting leaves room for speculation and anticipation. Keanu Reeves' iconic portrayal of Neo has become synonymous with the franchise, and his return would undoubtedly be met with enthusiasm. However, the possibility of new characters and storylines also holds the promise of expanding the Matrix universe in unexpected ways. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to learn more details and witness the evolution of this beloved franchise.