Neo is getting a new look courtesy of a new entry in “The Matrix” franchise.
Warner Bros. announced that the studio is in the works on a new “Matrix” installment courtesy of Oscar-nominated filmmaker Drew Goddard, who wrote the screenplay for “The Martian” and co-wrote and directed “The Cabin in the Woods.” Goddard will write and direct a new “Matrix” movie for the studio, as well as produce with partner Sarah Esberg (“Moonlight,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”) via their Goddard Textiles banner.
“The Matrix” film series writer/director and co-creator Lana Wachowski is executive producing. No casting or plot details were unveiled.
“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,” Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures President of Production, said in a press 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.”
Writer/director Goddard, who previously penned “Cloverfield” and “World War Z,” added, “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.”
Goddard’s credits include “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Alias,” “Lost,” “Daredevil,” and “The Good Place.” Goddard’s Textiles banner is currently in production on the ABC series “High Potential” starring Kaitlin Olson. His next project in addition to “The Matrix” installment will be serving as executive producer on “Project Hail Mary” starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Amazon/MGM.
The “Matrix” franchise, including “The Matrix,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “The Matrix Revolutions,” and most recently, “The Matrix Resurrections,” has earned $1.8 billion globally over the series lifetime. “The Matrix,” led by Keanu Reeves, received four Academy Awards and the film series has earned both critical and commercial praise. The Wachowskis directed the first three films of the franchise, with Lana Wachowski going solo behind the camera for “The Matrix Resurrections.” “The Matrix” recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. “Resurrections” from 2021 brought in $157.3 million at the global box office.
The films even spurred a hip hop dance stage adaptation directed by Academy Award winner Danny Boyle. Titled “Free Your Mind,” the play opened on the West End in October 2023.
