The Matrix film franchise is set to return for a fifth installment. The original film in the series, The Matrix, was released in 1999 and became a massive success that largely influenced modern day sci-fi. It was followed by two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, both in 2003. A fourth film followed in 2021 and now The Matrix 5 is in the works.
Interestingly, this will be the first live-action installment not to be directed by one of the Wachowskis. The pair of sibling writers and directors both helmed the original three Matrix films, while Lana Wachowski helmed the forth film by herself. Now it looks like Warner Bros. Pictures has a very different writer-director attached for The Matrix 5: Drew Goddard.
As revealed in a discussion with Deadline, both Warner Bros. Pictures CEOs/co-chairmen Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy confirmed that The Matrix 5 was happening with Goddard attached to write and direct. For those unfamiliar with Goddard’s work, he previously co-wrote and solely directed The Cabin in the Woods. He also solely wrote and directed Bad Times at the El Royale.
He’s certainly proven himself capable of being a strong writer and a strong visual director. After all, The Cabin in the Woods famously parodied nearly every recognizable horror icon there is. Though The Matrix is a completely different animal, he should be able to tackle the scope and dystopian nature of the Matrix franchise in a way that might be unique enough to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Otherwise, there aren’t any other details available at this time. Hopefully the film manages to interest fans more than The Matrix Resurrections seemed to, however, so we’ll have to see what kind of take Goddard has to offer. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding The Matrix 5 and the future of the sci-fi franchise as we have them.