Lilly Wachowski says she is “kinda done” with The Matrix, but the recently announced Matrix 5 may still need the Wachowskis’ blessing before it can move forward. IGN reports that Wachowski made the comments during an interview on KCRW’s The Business.
Matrix 5 has a Wachowski-shaped complication
Wachowski said Warner Bros. wants to make another film, but she no longer wants to “play in that sandbox”. She also said writer-director Drew Goddard does not want to proceed unless he gets the Wachowskis’ blessing.
“But there may be a thing that’s happening with Drew Goddard, and he doesn’t wanna go forward unless he gets our blessing.”
Lilly Wachowski, quoted by IGN
That leaves Matrix 5 in an unusual position. Warner Bros. announced the film in 2024, with Goddard attached to write and direct and Lana Wachowski set to executive produce. The announcement described Goddard’s idea as a continuation of the world created by Lana and Lilly, but the new comments suggest their involvement may be more complicated than a producer credit.
What happens to the new Matrix film?
Deadline’s report carries the same central update: Lilly is not looking to return to the director’s chair, while Goddard may be waiting for approval from both sisters. Lilly said the project could still happen, but that it remains unknown.
The film has no confirmed release date, plot details or cast beyond Goddard’s attachment and Lana Wachowski’s reported executive-producer role. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returned as Neo and Trinity in 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, but neither actor’s return for the fifth film has been confirmed.
The franchise began with the 1999 original and continued with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions in 2003. The Matrix Resurrections followed in 2021, earning $157 million worldwide against a reported $190 million budget.
Tbreak previously covered the offer to Hideo Kojima to make a Matrix game, another reminder that the franchise’s next life has never lacked possible directions.
Who is directing Matrix 5?
Drew Goddard is attached to write and direct Matrix 5. No release date has been announced.
Are the Wachowskis returning to direct Matrix 5?
No. Lilly Wachowski says she is done with the franchise, while Lana Wachowski is attached as an executive producer.
Are Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning?
Their returns as Neo and Trinity have not been confirmed for Matrix 5.
