Despite its seemingly untouchable status (even given the disappointment of the sequels), rumours about movement on a new movie based on The Matrix have crackled around the wires for years. Watch the trailer for the 1999 film above.
Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, there is some forward movement, with Warner Bros. starting talks with writer Zak Penn to create a treatment.
Neo and Trinity. (Image: Warner Bros)
At the moment, that’s all that is happening – despite the trade mag’s sources bringing word that Michael B. Jordan is the focus of chatter about a potential new leading man, nothing has been decided beyond working up some fresh ideas.
And the shape of this thing is still embryonic, with no sign yet as to if it will attempt to reboot the universe or set up more sequels in the same world.
Right now it looks like filmmaking duo Lana and Lilly Wachowski will be on board with the new project as well. John Wick 3 director Chad Stahelksi told Yahoo Movies in an interview “I’m super happy that the Wachowskis are not just doing a Matrix, but they’re expanding what we all loved, and if it’s anywhere near the level of what they’ve already done, it wouldn’t take more than a call to go, ‘Hey, we want you to be a stunt guy’ and I would probably go and get hit by a car.”
Keanu Reeves as Neo. (Image: Warner Bros)
While the Wachowskis may be involved with this new project, Keanu Reeves is yet to be confirmed to return to the franchise. Reeves was turned into an action icon through the story of a man discovering that the world is a computer-generated illusion wrought by machines to keep an enslaved human populace docile as they’re used for energy.
The combination of cutting-edge special effects, martial arts and philosophy became a sensation back in 1999, spawning the back-to back sequels Reloaded and Revolutions. The studio would at least want the Wachowskis to give their blessing.
And while we’re sure it would be delighted for Reeves – still kicking ass, albeit as John Wick – to return, he’s said he’d only consider it if they were on board.
Watch Keanu Reeves discuss his latest film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum below. Story continues after video.
So for now, this will bubble away in development as various spin-off options are considered.
Though Warner Bros had been looking at a Matrix-based TV series recently, that idea is on hold while the film version is developed.
Will anything happen this time? We’ll see…
James White
