Warner Bros. has tapped Drew Goddard, the genre-savvy writer-director behind hits like The Martian and Cabin in the Woods, to write and helm the Matrix‘s fifth installment. This marks a significant shift for the series, as the Wachowski sisters, Lana and Lilly, who co-created and directed the previous films, will step back from directing duties, though Lana Wachowski will remain on board as an executive producer.
Details about the plot are shrouded in secrecy, but the studio hints at Goddard’s pitch offering a unique continuation of the Matrix world. Warner Bros. clearly sees Goddard as the ideal candidate. His experience with fantastical concepts, from the thrilling space adventure of The Martian to the horror-comedy blend of Cabin in the Woods, demonstrates his ability to navigate complex worlds.
The original 1999 Matrix remains a cultural phenomenon. It captivated audiences with a story questioning reality, groundbreaking special effects like “bullet time,” and a breakout performance by Keanu Reeves. The sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, released in 2003, received mixed reviews, with some fans favoring the story-driven approach of the original and others enjoying the amped-up visuals. Lana Wachowski’s return in 2021 with The Matrix Resurrections divided audiences once more.
In a statement, Goddard expressed his reverence for the Wachowskis’ creation: “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.“
Whether familiar faces like Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will return remains to be seen. But with Goddard at the helm, this new Matrix movie has the potential to be a thrilling return to the world that redefined sci-fi action.