Everything we know about The Matrix 5

The Matrix Resurrections left many feeling like The Wachowski’s were done with their high-tech virtual world but it looks like it’s not done with us yet as The Matrix 5 plugs itself into production.

2021’s fourth instalment saw one-half of the directing duo behind the original film, Lana Wachowski, return to the world she first created with her sibling Lilly in 1999. Packed with bold ideas and groundbreaking visual effects, The Matrix arguably altered the course of high-concept action cinema and has since become regarded as one of the best action films of the '90.

Two sequels followed including 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions before Lana returned for an unexpected fourth instalment that seemingly put a full stop on Neo’s (Keanu Reeves) storyline. Now, a new filmmaker is taking the reigns, promising to expand the franchise even further.

Take the blue pill and you can continue living in your own little illusion, ignoring key movie details like release date, plot and confirmed cast. Take the red pill and we’ll see how far this Matrix 5 rabbit hole goes…

When will The Matrix 5 be released?

The fifth Matrix film is still in its early days of pre-production which means details of its release have yet to emerge. It’s also unclear whether the movie will get a strictly theatrical release or find itself as a solely streaming venture.

Read more: The irony of making Matrix 5 after The Matrix Resurrections

Back in 2021, The Matrix Resurrections debuted both theatrically and via HBO Max on the same date. It’s worth remembering that the sequel landed as cinema-goers were still reeling from the effects of the pandemic so it’s hard to tell whether The Matrix 5 will get the same release strategy or if it’ll only be available on the big screen.

What is the plot for The Matrix 5?

We’re guessing The Architect might know what’s in store for The Matrix 5 but at the time of writing, we sure don’t. In the world of the real, that Architect is the film’s new director Drew Goddard who takes over from Lana and Lilly Wachowski to steer the franchise into even deeper trenches of the war between humanity and AI.

Goddard is known for making movies that are both shrouded in secrecy and layered with twists, having written 2008’s found-footage monster movie Cloverfield and turned horror on its head with 2011’s scary-smart The Cabin In The Woods.

According to early reports, Goddard has a new take on The Matrix storyline that promises to propel it into exciting new territory, having approached Warner Bros. with his very own pitch.

“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 honouring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters,” said Warner Bros.’ own President of Production, Jesse Ehrman.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Goddard issued his own statement, sharing exactly what the Wachowski’s franchise means to him. “It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life,” he revealed. “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.”

Who stars in The Matrix 5?

No cast details have been confirmed for The Matrix 5 but by the sounds of it, the sequel could be set to reboot the entire story - which would likely mean the introduction of lots of new characters.

That’s not to say some familiar faces won't pop up at some point. Many recent legacy sequels have started by taking viewers on a fresh adventure with fresh faces before bringing some old favourites back into the fold.

Still, The Matrix has a history of recasting some of its most iconic stars with new actors - most notably with Watchmen’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II playing a version of Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections. Will the same happen to Reeves’s ‘Chosen One’ Neo? We’ll find out soon enough.

Humans aside, the other star of any Matrix movie is its visual effects - and if Warner Bros. has decided to hit Ctrl-alt-delete and reboot the franchise after part four, they’ll must have something special up their sleeves that’s guaranteed to wow viewers. Consider us intreigued.

The Matrix 5 is coming soon.