The Matrix 4 filming has caused explosive damage in San Francisco during what appears to be a high intensity action scene. The new sci-fi/action sequel has only recently begun filming, but so far things have gotten quite intense.

The original Matrix film was a smash hit when it arrived back in 1999, elevating the sci-fi/action genre to a new level and paving the way for future mind-bending films like Inception and Source Code. Though the Keanu Reeves-led hit experienced international acclaim and awards, future films in the franchise didn’t fare as well. Both Matrix sequels certainly performed well at the box office, but the degree to which they impressed fans didn’t quite hit the same mark as the original 1999 film. Today, many fans of the original film don’t speak highly of its sequels, despite there still being much interest in the franchise. In fact, it is because of that ongoing interest in The Matrix that a fourth film suddenly became a reality. This took many by surprise, given the fact that The Matrix directing duo the Wachowskis had previously stated that they had no interest in returning to the series. As it turned out, fans ended up getting one half of the original filmmaking team back on board, when Lana Wachowski signed on to direct what will be The Matrix 4.

Production on The Matrix 4 began only recently in San Francisco and so far what little we’ve been able to learn (or see) of the process seems to be pretty intense. This will come as no surprise to fans of the franchise, who are accustomed to the high level of energy and action the films have always offered. At the same time, however, the assurance that The Matrix 4 is working with practical effects and getting plenty of attention in the process will likely be somewhat comforting to fans as well. But most recently, this heightened degree of action might have gone a little too far. As Task Comics reports, some San Francisco locals were left a little irritated by an explosion that melted plastics on signs, flipped cars and caused about $2,000 worth of damage.


Obviously, the explosion was planned and professionally done, but it still caused some concern and left others angry that some private property (a plastic cover for an advertising sign) was destroyed during the blast. This all comes almost two weeks after stunt doubles were spotted jumping from a skyscraper and flying back up into the air - quite the sight for locals, whether they happen to be Matrix fans or not. What’s more, it’s only been a matter of days since another Matrix 4 sighting caught people’s attention as Reeves and co-star Carrie-Anne Moss were filmed riding a motorcycle down a San Francisco street. Though this last highlight wasn’t exactly death defying, it did create quite the stir among eager Matrix fans.

As production on The Matrix 4 continues, there are mixed feelings from fans of the original film. Some argue that with two less than stellar sequels (plus animated short films The Animatrix) clearing up most, if not all loose ends, there really isn’t much left to address in a fourth film. Others feel that if Warner couldn’t recreate the magic of the first film with two feature length sequels, then the odds don’t favor success on a fourth film. These may be valid points, but for now at least, the production of The Matrix 4 appears to be gaining plenty of attention. Hopefully that degree of attention will continue when the film is released in 2021.

The Matrix 4 (2021)
Release Date: May 21, 2021