After a Matrix 4 that was maligned and unloved by the public and critics, we thought the saga of the Wachowski sisters was definitively buried. This was without taking into account the devouring appetite of Warner Bros. Discovery which has just confirmed the development of a 5th opus. So, does it smell like the blue or red pill?
We no longer present The Matrix, the cult SF saga that propelled the careers of the Wachowsky sisters to the firmament. After a first trilogy which ended in 2003 with the episode Matrix Revolutions, we never thought we would see the license return to the big screen. It must be recognized that the circle had come full circle and that with the exception of a reboot, there was not much left to tell about Neo and Trinity (but not about the universe, far from it).
And then, a few years ago, Lana Wachowsky spoke out to denounce the tendency of film studios to constantly offer sequels, to not let certain licenses die. After this speech, it was therefore thought that a possible return of Matrix was strongly compromised.
But against all expectations, a fourth film called Matrix Revolution finally saw the light of day in 2021, under the leadership of Lana who chose to direct the project solo this time. As you may know, the film is very far from being unanimously acclaimed (some members of the editorial staff, however, defend its quality body and soul) among the general public and critics alike. This is also demonstrated by the rather disappointing box office results: 160 million dollars raised worldwide alone.
No Wachowsky for the 5th Matrix, but a promising director
We would therefore have thought that the commercial failure of this 4th opus would have signed the death warrant for the saga. Well no ! Warner Bros. Discovery has indeed just confirmed the development of a 5th episode. This Matrix 5 (we do not yet have the final title) will have one particularity: it will be the first opus not to be directed by one of the Wachowsky sisters.
Indeed, Lana Wachowsky has chosen to withdraw, which does not really reassure us. We can console ourselves by saying that she will remain invested in the creative process as a producer. Who will be behind the camera then? It will be about Drew Goddardan American screenwriter and director with a Rather attractive CV.
Indeed, the man began his career as a screenwriter by writing episodes for Lost and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He is also at the origin of the manuscripts for certain recognized films such as the excellent Cloverfield or World War Z. Note that Drew Goddard is also responsible for the creation of the wonderful Daredevil series on Netflix. As a filmmaker, his work is equally interesting. He notably signed the much underrated Dirty Times at the Hotel El Royale, And the hilarious horror/satire film The Cabin in the Woods. To conclude, if the absence of Lana Wachoswky from the production is worrying, Drew Goddard could be a good candidate to properly revive the series. Hope gives life.