Whoa: ‘The Matrix 4’ Is Happening With Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss And Lana Wachowski Returning [Updated]
Update: If you’re wondering what’s going on with Morpheus in this story, a new report indicates that we could see a younger version of that character pop up in this film. Our original report continues, and you can read the Morpheus-related update embedded within.The Matrixturned 20 years old this year and here’s one way to celebrate: Warner Bros. has announced thatThe Matrix 4is officially in the works. After years of rumors and tales of reboots and a revolving door of talented folks all taking a crack at this iconic and mind-bending universe, the new film will return to where it all began.Keanu Reeveswill return as Neo,Carrie-Anne Mosswill return as Trinity, andLana Wachowski, who co-wrote and co-directed the original trilogy with her sister Lilly, will co-write, produce, and direct. Whoa, indeed.Varietybroke the news, and their report comes loaded with comments from folks involved in the film. You know, just in case you’re like me and thought, “There’s no way they actually ever make aMatrix 4” and need some extra convincing. First, here’s Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich on Lana returning to the franchise that catapulted her and her sister to blockbuster status:
And while Lilly Wachowski is not returning for reasons that are not explained in this report, Lana does mention her in a statement:
“Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now. I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”
Lana Wachowski co-wrote the screenplay withAleksander HemonandDavid Mitchell. The former is an actor who worked with the Wachowskis on the late and beloved Netflix seriesSense8. The latter could very well be the acclaimed author ofCloud Atlas,whose novel was adapted into an ambitious film by the Wachowskis back in 2012. Variety reports that production could begin in early 2020.
Update: Variety’s Justin Kroll provides an answer about how Morpheus could be involved. (He says “Morbius” in this tweet, but later clarified that he actually meantLaurence Fishburne’s character inThe Matrixfilms.)
If you’ve asked yourself, “Where’s Morbius,” sources have told me this may point to where and when the film is set as I’ve heard execs are looking a variety of actors to possibly play “young Morbius.” Stay tuned on that front…https://t.co/5s3zTJiMey
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar)July 25, 2025
This news arrives asThe Matrixcelebrates its twentieth anniversary. The original film, a kaleidoscopic blend of Hong Kong-inspired action, heavy science fiction, and all of your favorite anime, reinvented what a studio blockbuster could be. While the sequels did not inspire quite as much devotion (although yours truly thinks they’ve aged quite well and are genuinely worth a revisit!), this franchise remains a cultural touchstone whose impact is still felt to this day. Everyone of a certain age remembers seeingThe Matrixfor the first time. I know I do. And you do, too.
Of course, we have…questions. Many questions. Sure,The Matrix Revolutionsended with an open door – the war between man and machine reached an uneasy peace – but it also ended with Neo and Trinity dead, the final fallen soldiers in the war to save both the Matrix and the real world. How will Reeves and Moss return when their characters died? Maybe they were somehow uploaded into the Matrix and they can live on in digital form even as their human bodies cease to function? We will see!
There is no release or title forThe Matrix 4just yet. But I imagine we’ll know more soon.
