The Keanussaice has now extended is tendrils back in time to the previously-ubiquitous Matrix franchise. Almost out of nowhere, Variety just broke the news that a new, direct Matrix sequel—Matrix 4—is in the works over at Warner Bros. The original film is one of the most iconic in all of sci-fi history, and the resulting (as of now) trilogy maintains a place in many hearts, even as an irresistible premise gave way to cluttered, CGI-laden mayhem.
One of the original creators and directors, Lana Wachowski, will be writing and directing the new installment, seemingly without her sister Lilly at her side this time around. The Wachowskis wrote and directed the first three Matrix films together, and later collaborated on cult movies like Speed Racer, Jupiter Ascending, and the niche but beloved Sense8 on Netflix.
This news all comes as a bit of a jolting surprise, even though talks of a fourth entry have swirled since... well, since a second and third movie were announced. More intriguing is the involvement of Keanu Reeves, whose Neo appeared to meet a fitting end in 2003's Matrix: Revolutions (to those upset about the spoiler: it's been 16 years, let's be cool). Carrie-Anne Moss is reportedly back too as Trinity, another character who met an ultimate fate. Will this be a prequel, or filling-of-the-gaps of sorts? More likely they're being brought back via the magic that is "studio money" and "a script that explains their deaths away within the first 10 minutes."
Per Variety:
Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures will produce and globally distribute the film. Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich made the announcement on Tuesday.
“We could not be more excited to be re-entering ‘The Matrix’ with Lana,” said Emmerich. “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.”
There's no word on the involvement of other Matrix mainstays like Laurence Fishburne or Hugo Weaving, who played the iconic Morpheus and Agent Smith, respectively, but I'd be shocked if they didn't show up in one form or another.
There's no release date for Matrix 4 yet, but word is they'll start shooting in early 2020. I wonder if they're gonna update those unapologetically leather-daddy outfits.
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Originally Appeared on GQ
