“The Matrix” recently marked its 25th birthday . And now, Warner Bros. has announced a new addition to the series, this time to be helmed by writer/director Drew Goddard. Goddard will also oversee production of the new movie with his partner Sarah Esberg under their Goddard Textiles banner, while original “Matrix” writer/director Lana Wachowski will serve as executive producer.From what we understand, this fifth film is situated within the “Matrix” universe, not as a direct sequel (but still, couldn’t Keanu Reeves make an appearance?) The most recent film in the series,
2021’s “The Matrix Resurrections,” followed the release of the original trilogy (which had concluded in 2003 with the two sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions”). “Resurrections” was an enjoyable exploration
of the “Matrix” mythology ; it was also somewhat disappointing at the box office (it lost money, partly due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max). Nevertheless, it proved that there was still plenty of potential in the “Matrix” series.Jesse Ehrman, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures president of production, expressed in an official statement, “Drew presented a new concept to Warner Bros. that we all believe will be an incredible way to expand the ‘Matrix’ world, while respecting what Lana and Lilly [Wachowski] started over 25 years ago and offering a fresh perspective drawn from his own appreciation of the series and characters. The entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery is excited for Drew to take on this new ‘Matrix’ film, contributing his vision to the cinematic legacy the Wachowskis built at the studio for a quarter of a century.”
In his own statement, the filmmaker added, “It is no exaggeration to say that ‘The Matrix’ films transformed both cinema and my life. Lana and Lilly’s exceptional artistry continues to inspire me daily, and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to tell stories in their world.”
(plural), right? Stories Goddard is an incredibly talented director and writer, who received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for Ridley Scott’s “The Martian.” He also collaborated on (with Joss Whedon) and directed “The Cabin in the Woods” and “Bad Times at the El Royale.” Additionally, he penned “Cloverfield” and contributed to the script for “World War Z.” His career began in television, where he contributed to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” “Alias,” and “Lost.” He also created Marvel’s first Netflix series “Daredevil” and penned and directed episodes of “The Good Place.” His next screenplay is for “Project Hail Mary,” adapted from the book by “The Martian” author Andy Weir, to be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller later this summer. Ryan Gosling is set to star. He also has a new ABC series, “High Potential,” starring Kaitlin Olson, currently in production.
Original “Matrix” writer/director Lana Wachowski is executive producing this fifth film in the franchise
