So much for Keanu Reeves having ideas for The Matrix 4. There will be no continuation of the franchise as we know it, but there will be more Matrix movies in the near future. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. is rebooting the property, which began as a groundbreaking sci-fi sensation in 1999 then spawned two sequels, both in 2003. Here's what we know:
Let's start with the most important question: are Lana and Lilly Wachowski involved?
Reportedly, the siblings, who wrote and directed all three movies, currently have no involvement with the "relaunch," as it's being called. They could wind up giving their blessing and receive executive producer credits later, but that's the situation for now.
If this is being referred to as a "relaunch," will Neo be back?
It's unclear what his role would be, but Michael B. Jordan is being mentioned to star. He has some experience filling others' shoes, having been the Human Torch in a Fantastic Four reboot and the title character in the Rocky reboot-sequel Creed. He's also been attached to a Thomas Crown Affair remake.
What stage is this at?
Warner Bros. has a writer, Zak Penn (X-Men: The Last Stand, The Avengers), working on a treatment.
Is the studio just looking for megafranchise potential?
You bet they are. At least, that's what THR claims with a hint of such things as a young Morpheus prequel, in an aim to mimic what Disney and Lucasfilm are doing with Star Wars.
So could it be that Jordan is actually being eyed to play young Morpheus?
We can't count anything out. Perhaps Warner Bros. wants to start with the pre-Neo days of the universe and then move forward to an eventual straight Matrix remake. Just like in "the Matrix," everything is possible.
What if we want to see more of Reeves and Laurence Fishburne?
See both actors reunited in John Wick: Chapter 2, currently in theaters. They'll likely be back for John Wick: Chapter 3, as well.
