‘Matrix 5’ in Development with Drew Goddard Set to Write and Direct

Warner Bros. has announced its venture into the Matrix universe once again, this time with a fresh creative team at the helm. The studio revealed on Wednesday that a fifth installment in the Matrix franchise is underway, with Drew Goddard, known for his work on Netflix’s Daredevil and Cloverfield, as well as writing The Martian, set to write and direct.

Lana Wachowski, who directed the previous installment, 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, and co-created the series with her sister Lilly in 1999, will continue her involvement as an executive producer. However, it remains uncertain whether Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, who portrayed Neo and Trinity respectively in the previous films, will return for this new chapter. Plot details are tightly guarded, but Warner Bros. Motion Pictures president of production, Jesse Ehrman, assured that the new entry will build upon the fantasy narrative established across four films.

Ehrman stated, “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.” He expressed the studio’s excitement for Goddard to contribute to the cinematic legacy established by the Wachowskis.

Goddard himself expressed profound admiration for the franchise, remarking, “It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the rich storytelling universe created by Lana and Lilly.

The Matrix franchise, which celebrated its 25th anniversary recently, has been groundbreaking in its exploration of existential themes and distinct visual style. Reeves’ portrayal of Neo, the iconic messianic figure challenging the reality of human existence, propelled him to pop culture superstardom and sparked discussions in philosophy textbooks.

The fourth installment, The Matrix Resurrections, saw the return of Reeves and Moss alongside new characters, though its box office performance fell short of expectations. Despite this, Reeves reflected on the enduring appeal of the franchise, noting its continued relevance in questioning societal norms and technological advancements.

As Warner Bros. embarks on this new chapter in the Matrix saga, fans await eagerly to see how Goddard’s vision will unfold and whether it will continue to provoke thought and captivate audiences as its predecessors have done.