One of the most secretive films currently in the works isThe Matrix 4, but returning starsKeanu ReevesandCarrie-Anne Mossare now shedding alittlelight onto what folks can expect from the surprise sequel. Indeed, with the release ofThe Matrix Revolutionsin 2003, most assumedThe Matrixfranchise was complete.LanaandLily Wachowskicreated a groundbreaking piece of sci-fi action cinema with 1999’s original film, then wentcrazyambitious by writing two absolutely wild sequels that they shot back-to-back.The Matrix ReloadedandThe Matrix Revolutionswere released six months apart and brought the story of Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus to a close with a Christlike sacrifice and a new world being created after the fall of the machines.
So color us surprised when Warner Bros. announced that Lana Wachowski was returning to direct a new fourthMatrixmovie, and that Reeves and Moss would be in it. Wachowski co-wrote the screenplay withAleksandar HemonandDavid Mitchell(her sister Lily Wachowski semi-retired from Hollywood), and as it turns out—despite the fact that Neo died inRevolutions—it was Wachowski’s return and this new screenplay that convinced Reeves to don the trenchcoat and shades one more time.
Speaking withEmpire, theJohn Wickstar praised the “beautiful” script as the reason to come back:
“Lana Wachowski wrote a beautiful script and a wonderful story that resonated with me,” he says. “That’s the only reason to do it. To work with her again is just amazing. It’s been really special, and the story has, I think, some meaningful things to say, and that we can take some nourishment from.”
Moss echoed Reeves’ sentiments in the same Empire article, noting that she was also incredibly surprised aMatrix 4happened in the first place:
“I never thought that it would happen. It was never on my radar at all. When it was brought to me in the way that it was brought to me, with incredible depth and all of the integrity and artistry that you could imagine, I was like, ‘This is a gift.’ It was just very exciting.”
We know pretty much nothing about the story forThe Matrix 4, but filmmakersChad StahelskiandDavid Leitch—who directed second unit on the original trilogy before going on to become big directors in their own right withJohn WickandDeadpool 2—recently confirmed that they helped outon certain action sequences forThe Matrix 4.
We also know that the ensemble cast is incredible. In addition to Reeves and Moss, theMatrix 4cast also includesYahya Abdul-Mateen II,Neil Patrick Harris,Priyanka Chopra,Jessica Henwick, andJonathan Groff.
Filming onThe Matrix 4was halted due to COVID-19 concerns, but so far Warner Bros. is sticking to the film’s June 24, 2025 release date. We’ll see if that holds whenever production is able to resume.
For more, check outour extended Collider Connected interview with Stahelski and Leitch.
