Summary

The Matrix 5is happening, and Keanu Reeves already confirmed his only condition to return as Neo. Warner Bros. surprisingly put anotherMatrixmovie into development in early 2024 with the announcement that Drew Goddard was tapped to write and direct a new installment.The Matrix 5entered developmentonly three years afterThe Matrix Resurrectionsappeared to wrap up the franchise with a critical and commercial disappointment. Details on the fifthMatrixmovie are scarce, including whether Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will return.

Excitement forThe Matrix 5could change depending onwhether Reeves and Moss return as Neo and Trinity. At this point, neither is confirmed to be involved in the sequel. Plot details forThe Matrix 5are still not known, but it would stand to reason that Warner Bros. would want to keep the franchise’s main stars involved. The interest on their part would make sense, but that does not necessarily mean that the actors will return. The good news is that Keanu Reeves has already confirmed what it would take for him to be inThe Matrix 5.

A composite image of Keanu Reeves as Neo looking on and walking on a rainy street in The Matrix Revolutions

The Matrix 5: Confirmation & Everything We Know

The Matrix Resurrections ended on a somewhat ambiguous note, which opened the door for the franchise to continue in the recently announced Matrix 5.

Keanu Reeves Said He’d Return For Matrix 5 If Lana Wachowski Asked Him To

He’s Open To Playing Neo Again

Even before Warner Bros. officially putThe Matrix 5into development, the possibility of another film happening was a major point of discussion thanks toThe Matrix Resurrections' ending. This led to Reeves being asked about the likelihood of another sequel and if he would return for it while speaking toEmpirein 2021. He initially made it sound like another installment was not part of the plan. But when he was pressed about his interest in returning, he saidit was up to Lana Wachowski, saying,“If she invites me again, I’m in.”

Keanu Reeves is no stranger to franchise movies and sequels, and hisThe Matrix 5return condition puts his franchise future in Lana Wachowski’s hands. He is a fan of playing Neo and would be open to playing the character again, but only under the right circumstances. It seems that the most important thing to him isn’t thatThe Matrix 5has a great script, a leading role for him, or something more directly concerned with himself. Reeves, instead, is mostly focused on making sure that if he plays Neo again, he has Wachowski’s blessing.

The Matrix Resurrections Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss

The Matrix 5 Can’t Avoid Keanu Reeves' Neo & Carrie-Anne Moss' Trinity (Even If It’s A Reboot)

Plans for The Matrix 5 prove that there are more stories to tell in the Wachowskis' franchise, but the movie can’t ignore its biggest characters.

What Lana Wachowski’s Matrix 5 Involvement Means For Keanu Reeves' Return

Lana Wachowski Is Not Directing

The likelihood of Keanu Reeves returning forMatrix 5is complicated based on his condition. Lana Wachowski is not writing or directing the new installment, with Drew Goddard being handed the reigns to the franchise. However,Lana Wachowski is still technically involved as a producer. It is not clear how directly connected Lana is toMatrix 5’s development generally, as she could only be attached as a producer given her history with the property.

The Matrix 5

Producer

Lana Wachowski might not be leadingMatrix 5’s development, but it would still be smart for Goddard and Warner Bros. to keep her in the loop and make sure she is on board with the new plans. Doing this could mean thatLana can still be an instrumental voice and convince Keanu that he should return as Neoagain. If this does not happen and she is left out of the development,The Matrix 5could have a difficult time getting Reeves attached. It would require him to change his stance and loyalty to Lana, which does not seem likely.

Source:Empire

The Matrix 5: The latest installment in The Matrix series continues the saga of Neo and his allies as they navigate a complex dystopian world. Tasked with a monumental mission, they confront new challenges that question the fabric of reality and humanity’s place within it.

Neo (Keanu Reeves) looking at Matrix code in the mirror in The Matrix Resurrections

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