News of Spider-Man’s removal from the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) during a disagreement between Disney and Sony has recently taken the internet by storm. The media frenzy surrounding the decision has left the news of The Matrix 4’s announcement completely swept under the rug. Directed again by Lana Wachowski, Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss will again reprise their roles as Neo and Trinity.
After 20 years since the first Matrix film, along with two sequels some would consider not as successful critically, the Matrix has become a cultural phenomenon. However, the series ended with a whimper rather than a bang. 2003’s The Matrix Revolutions, which ended with Neo and Trinity dying left viewers disappointed. So why make a sequel, now of all times?
Rumors have circulated for years about a Matrix spin-off. Back in 2017, The Hollywood Reporter caught wind of a possible sequel/reboot written by Zak Penn and starring Michael B. Jordan, with the possibility of a younger Morpheus involved. The situation was received negatively as it was also reported that the Wachowskis were not involved. Since then news of this Zak Penn reboot/sequel/spin-off has gone cold.
The Matrix, first released on the 31st of March, 1999, gained $463,517,383 worldwide in the box office. While The Matrix Reloaded grossed $742,128,461 and The Matrix Revolutions — $427,343,298. Both released in the same year, 2003, only months apart.
Details
Stated by WB Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich. Confirmed as of Tuesday (8/20/19), Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow will be producing and distributing the film worldwide.
“We could not be more excited to be re-entering ‘The Matrix’ with Lana,” Emmerich 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.”
Lana’s sister Lilly has not been mentioned or confirmed to be apart of the picture. As stated years prior, Keanu Reeves only wishes to revisit the franchise if the sequels were to be directed by the Wachowskis in a 2017 interview with Yahoo News. With the inclusion of the original cast members, Lana will again be working with storyboard and concept artists Geof Darrow and Steve Skroce. In addition, the script will be helmed by Aleksandar Hermon and David Mitchell.
“Many of the ideas Lily and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now,” Wachowski said. “I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”
Release Date
There has been no announcement of a release date, but sources say production will begin around early 2020.
Plot
No details on the plot have been announced, though many theories have already been made.
The Matrix (1999)’s Re-Release
Starting August 30th to September 5th, 135 AMC Theatres around the country will be bringing back the first Matrix film for a special screening in the Dolby Cinema format for its 20 year anniversary.
