The Matrix franchise is planning for a reboot, and it’s for the best. It has been announced that a fifth film from the franchise is currently in development. However, many crucial aspects related to the franchise have been altered. For instance, for the first time in the history of The Matrix franchise, the upcoming project won’t be helmed by the Wachowski Sisters, as a new filmmaker takes the reins for the franchise. Until now, the first three films were written and directed by the Wachowskis. Meanwhile, the fourth installment was penned by Lana Wachowski, along with David Mitchell and Aleksandar Hemon, and was directed by Lana Wachowski. However, this time, the fifth installment of the franchise, The Matrix 5, will be directed by Drew Goddard.
Though the plot details of the film are kept under wraps, since the director of the film has been switched, something new and exciting can be expected. But, this news of recruiting a new filmmaker for the film has also prompted mixed responses from the fans, where a faction of them debates about The Matrix movie being made without the Wachowskis.
The Matrix 5 will move forward with a new director
In 2021, The Matrix franchise released its fourth installment, The Matrix Resurrections, which was made under the direction of Lana Wachowski. She also helmed the first three films of the franchise. Now, after three years, it has been announced that the franchise will make a comeback with its fifth installment, The Matrix 5. But this time, the film will be helmed by newly recruited director Drew Goddard. Goddard is a renowned filmmaker and producer who made his directorial debut with The Cabin in the Woods. He is prominently known for writing Cloverfield (2008), World War Z (2013), and The Martian (2015), the latter earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Now, along with providing his directorial vision for the upcoming The Matrix 5, Goddard will also be showing off his writing chops in the film.
According to THR, the filmmaker approached Warner Bros. with an idea for a new film. Warner Bros. executive Jesse Ehrman opened up about the project, saying, “Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters. The entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making his new Matrix film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowskis’ spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio.”
While Ehrman’s comment about The Matrix 5 does not reveal much about the project, a reboot of the franchise can be expected with the upcoming Goddard film.
Fans of The Matrix franchise don’t seem happy with the film being made without the Wachowskis
Indeed, it is thrilling news that a new The Matrix film is being made, but a faction of the audience has raised questions about the film being helmed without the Wachowskis. Shortly after The Matrix 5 confirmation courtesy of Warner Bros., fans took to social media to share their reactions to the announcement.
Jordan Woodson says, “Making a Matrix 5, especially one without either of the Wachowskis writing/directing, goes against the entire message of Resurrections.”
Another user echoed the former statement as the user wrote, “Drew is a great director. But The Matrix is the Wachowskis; the Wachowskis *are* The Matrix. And the things that made The Matrix Resurrections so thrilling are the things that literally only a Wachowski would choose to do…“
@0liviaolive says, “They accidentally chose the writer of The Martian,” referring to Goddard, but “they mean to hire the director. Ridley Scott’s Matrix 5 is the only acceptable non-Wachowski version.”
Meanwhile, some Matrix fans approved of The Matrix 5, with Goddard behind the camera.
@miscrave wrote “sad to see Wachowski’s gone,” but is “excited for Matrix 5. I liked 4. I don’t necessarily want Neo back, but the new cast could return. Or it can take place during a different period. All is ok.“
Another user, @mrcjprice193 is “cautiously looking forward to it,” saying, “The matrix trilogy are literally some of my all time favorite movies… A Matrix 5 not done by any of the Wachowskis has me a bit scared but I do like Drew Goddard.” While fans’ concern is fair enough, it has been a legacy that Matrix films are made under the direction of Wachowski since 1999, and now the dynamics have changed as Goddard is the new director. But considering his previous work, the visionary filmmaker can be trusted with the work. Moreover, the project won’t be entirely out of Wachowskis’ supervision, as Lana Wachowski will be serving as the executive producer of the film.
For the unversed, The Matrix is an American cyberpunk media franchise consisting of four feature films, beginning with The Matrix (1999) and continuing with three sequels: The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions (both 2003), and The Matrix Resurrections (2021).
The films focus on the plight of Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who are trying to free humanity from the machines while being pursued by their guardians, such as Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving, Abdul-Mateen II, and Jonathan Groff).
