After years of threatening a reboot with a different cast and crew in mind, Warner Bros. have finally announced official plans to return to The Matrix universe, and it’s on the best possible terms we could have hoped for.
Variety reports that Lana Wachowski will return to co-write and direct a fourth film in the franchise, with both Neo and Trinity themselves (Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, respectively) set to reprise their roles.
“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,” Lana Wachowski said.
Scripted by Lana Wachowski, Sense8 writer Aleksandar Hemon, and Cloud Atlas author David Mitchell, it’s quite a trio of talent behind the pen–and camera, with Wachowski making her much-anticipated return after reports the directing duo would be taking a break. With Reeves’ star power in full force after an incredible summer, production is being fast-tracked to early 2020. There are no plot details nor confirmation yet if Morpheus is back, but there’s a chance Laurence Fishburne may be recast with a younger actor.
As The Matrix turns 20, we also recently celebrated its oft-derided sequels, naming them two of the best sci-fi films of the century thus far. Our own Nick Newman said, “I’ll ignore the wealth of received wisdom that’s surrounded these films for thirteen years and instead offer what’s deserved: praise. Following The Matrix‘s lightning-in-a-bottle success, the Wachowskis crafted a two-part sequel expanding their original picture’s strengths (aesthetics, action sensibilities, pacing, easily digestible philosophy) into the realm of be-all, end-all conflict. No matter the intensity and portent at its core, this duology makes great effort to balance in-the-moment pleasure with overarching narrative and theme.”
Speaking about the fourth film, Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich said, “We could not be more excited to be re-entering The Matrix with Lana,” said “Lana is a true visionary—a singular and original creative filmmaker—and we are thrilled that she is writing, directing and producing this new chapter in The Matrix universe.”