The Matrix Resurrections is one of the most meta films ever made. Lana Wachowski returned to the franchise she originally launched with her sister Lilly with a story about someone rebooting their own creation rather than letting someone else do it. It’s literally a movie about its very existence as a movie. And if Wachowski was hoping that approach would prevent anyone else from making a Matrix movie it didn’t work. Warner Bros. is developing a whole new film with Drew Goddard writing and directing.
In news we first heard at The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. has signed Drew Goddard to write and director an all-new Matrix movie. It will be the first film in the franchise without a Wachowski in charge, though Lana will remain involved as an executive producer.
In a statement Warner Bros. Motion Pictures president of production Jesse Ehrman said the project began with Goddard. He said, “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 studio did not share any details about the film’s plot or if previous stars like Keanu Reeves or Carrie-Anne Moss could return. It’s also unknown when production could begin or if Warner Bros. has a release date in mind already.
Goddard’s previous writing credits include Bad Times at the El Royale, which he also directed. He also wrote and directed Cabin in the Woods. The Martian, World War Z, and Cloverfield are among his other notable movie screenplays. And his best-known television writing credits include Lost, Daredevil, Alias, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Alias. Now he’s adding The Matrix to his resume. Hopefully Resurrections‘ concerns about an outsider taking over won’t be well-founded.