Drew Goddard, the creative force behind acclaimed projects like Bad Times at the El Royale and Daredevil, has signed on to write, direct, and produce a new installment in the groundbreaking Matrix franchise for Warner Bros.
Goddard’s Matrix project will serve as the fifth film in the cyberpunk saga. This news likely knocks him out of the running to direct Spider-Man 4 for Marvel Studios. It’s possible he can do both, but Goddard seems unlikely to switch between worlds so quickly.
However, the studio has indicated that Goddard brought them a compelling new take on the Matrix universe – one that honors the Wachowskis’ original vision while also advancing the narrative in an unexpected direction.
The previous Matrix film, 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, was only directed by one half of the iconic filmmaking duo, Lana Wachowski. Her sister Lilly Wachowski, who co-directed the initial trilogy with her, did not return. Now Warner Bros hopes to reinvigorate interest in the property by bringing in Drew Goddard’s distinctive voice. Goddard initially made a name for himself on genre TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer before segueing into features.
“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,” said Warner Bros production president Jesse Ehrman.
Ehrman extolled Goddard’s “vision” and said the entire Warner Bros team is thrilled to have him shepherd this extension of the cinematic canon the Wachowskis originated back in the 1990s. That initial movie, 1999’s The Matrix, took the world by storm with its revolutionary action sequences and exploration of simulated realities.
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The Wachowskis’ iconic Matrix trilogy earned over $1.6 billion globally and broke new ground in visual effects. It also propelled Keanu Reeves to next-level stardom due to his defining turn as messianic hero Neo. But the sequels never quite captured the magic of the first film. After a long hiatus, Lana Wachowski spearheaded 2021’s Resurrections with negative-mixed results.
Now enter Drew Goddard, the creative force behind the horror deconstruction Cabin in the Woods and Ridley Scott space thriller The Martian (for which he scored an Oscar nom).
“It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life,” Goddard said. “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.”
Goddard has demonstrated his ability to synthesize high-concept sci-fi, snappy dialogue, and compelling characters. Warner Bros hopes he can bring these talents to bear in continuing the seminal Matrix saga.
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“Her sister Lilly Wachowski, who co-directed the initial trilogy with her, did not return.”
Seriously? Even here, the Wachowski BROTHERS get a pass at pretending to be women?