New Matrix Movie Announced With World War Z Writer

Warner Bros. has announced a new Matrix movie. Drew Goddard, the writer behind World War Z and The Martian, has been hired to direct the new Matrix film. This will be Goddard's third directorial project, following The Cabin in the Woods and Bad Times at the El Royale.

Lana Wachowski, one of the creators of the series, is involved as an executive producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Lilly Wachowski is not involved. Lana directed the latest movie, The Matrix: Resurrections.

Warner Bros. boss Jesse Ehrman said Goddard came to the movie studio with a "new idea" that the studio believes could be an "incredible way to continue the Matrix world." It will respect the franchise's legacy and also offer a "unique perspective" on the franchise's future, Ehrman said.

Resurrections was a head-scratcher for many, with a plot some said was incomprehensible and sequences that lampooned the franchise in general. It'll be interesting to see where the new movie goes in terms of story and tone.

"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."

Resurrections earned $157 million worldwide at the box office in 2021, though it should be noted it was released simultaneously for Max (then known as HBO Max) due to the pandemic. The series debuted in 1999 and saw sequels Reloaded and Revolutions in 2003, just months apart.

The series helped propel Keanu Reeves to a new level of fame, and it also starred Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne. Whether or not any of the original cast will come back for the new Matrix film is unknown.

Warner Bros. announcing a new Matrix movie is no big surprise. After all, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has said the company is narrowing in on its biggest and best-known properties as it focuses on tentpole franchises in the future. WBD is also making a new Harry Potter TV series and more Lord of the Rings films, among others.