After 3 Years of Peace, Unwanted Matrix Franchise Update Has Fans Fuming

Summary:

• The Matrix franchise is reported to be continued without the Wachowskis, with the new director in the face of Drew Goddard.
• The crew’s change and the very idea of the sequel raises fans’ anger and doubt.

Back in 1999, the first Matrix movie, written and directed by the filmmakers Wachowskis, obviously made a revolution in sci-fi action films and set new standards in cinema as a whole. Viewers and critics were blown away by spectacular action and inventive visual effects, which were considered the ones of the new generation.

The story of Neo, the leader of the rebellion against the machines, was continued in two 2003 successful sequels, which somewhat finished Neo’s arc, and in The Matrix Resurrections in 2021, which seemingly served as the final nail in the franchise's coffin.

However, it turned out not to be the very end of The Matrix’s exploitation by Warner. Bros. It has just been announced that the sequel of the futuristic franchise is moving forward without the Wachowskis being involved in both directing and writing.

According to Warner Bros., The Matrix 5 is handed over to the renowned Drew Goddard, who approached the studio with an idea of the saga’s continuation, which would explore the uncharted places of the world, created by the Wachowskis.

The filmmaker is mostly famous for his screenwriting for World War Z (2013) and The Martian (2015), with the latter gaining him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Besides, he has an experience of directing such mixedly-received movies, as The Cabin in the Woods (2012) and Bad Times at the El Royale (2018).

What Do Fans Think of The Matrix Comeback?

Fans are mostly outraged by the change of the director, as Lana Wachowski is going to be involved in the sequel only as an executive producer. “As someone who loves all The Matrix movies, I’m not interested in a Matrix film without The Wachowskis having a hand in it,” voices our common disappointment Redditor 1UrbanGroove.

More than that, the idea of continuing the franchise also raises some questions, as the 2021 movie appeared controversial not only for critics, but also became a big box office failure, grossing only $159 million worldwide against a budget of $190 million.

“I don't get Hollywood. You make sequels after the last one makes money. The last one was a massive bomb,” fairly admits Redditor HotOne9364.

Where to Watch The Original Matrix Movies?

Nevertheless, not having any details of the plot and the cast of The Matrix 5 revealed, it can appear not as a sequel, but as a reboot of the franchise, leaving the old characters rest in the history.

While the idea of The Matrix’s follow-up is dubious, the original trilogy will always remain in our hearts as the epic sci-fi sensation, which is available on Netflix and Prime.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter