Here's everything currently revealed about The Matrix 4. Originally released in 1999, the first Matrix movie stunned audiences with breathtaking visuals and a vividly detailed science fiction world dripping in fascinating subtext and philosophical musings. The Matrix 4 made a star out of Keanu Reeves, and also featured Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Laurence Fishburne in now-iconic supporting roles. The Matrix marked the first major feature-length production for the Wachowski siblings, putting the duo firmly on the cinematic map.

Two sequels followed, both released in 2003, in the form of The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. While the latter enjoyed a slightly more positive reception, neither film could match the quality of the original and many fans were left disappointed by the Matrix sequels' poor pacing, heavy exposition and wasted characters. Only the action sequences and awe-inspiring visuals were retained from the acclaimed original movie. Despite this relative failure, talk of The Matrix 4 has been near-constant over the past 16 years, and the project has now been officially announced.

KEANU REEVES AND CARRIE-ANNE MOSS ARE RETURNING FOR THE MATRIX 4



While confirming The Matrix 4 was finally happening, it was also revealed that Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss would be reprising their roles as Neo and Trinity, respectively. This is especially interesting, since both characters were killed off in The Matrix Revolutions. Given the reality-bending nature of the Matrix franchise, however, resurrection certainly isn't out of the question, and Neo's return was hinted at in the original trilogy's closing moments, thanks to a line from the Oracle. It is not yet known whether any other Matrix alumni will be returning, and no new cast members have been confirmed as of yet.

LANA WACHOWSKI WILL BE DIRECTING THE MATRIX 4



As well as Reeves and Moss, Lana Wachowski will also be plugging back into The Matrix for a fourth time. The original trilogy was written and directed by Lana Wachowski and her sister Lilly, but only the former will be working on The Matrix 4. Lilly has been taking somewhat of a sabbatical from the entertainment industry since around 2016, with Lana working alone on the second season of Sense8. Regarding science-fiction specifically, Lilly claims she has lost interest in stories heavy with subtext since her gender transition, explaining her absence in The Matrix 4. Lilly is also currently busy working on the drama/comedy series, Work In Progress.

THE MATRIX 4'S STORY



As expected, very little has been revealed about The Matrix 4's plot. Obviously, the story will need to address how Neo and Trinity return, and will likely pick up on the recovery of the real world following the end of the Machine War. At the conclusion of the original Matrix trilogy, it was said that those still plugged into the Matrix would be liberated. Theoretically, this would leave the entire simulation world redundant in The Matrix 4, so the latest film will need to find a way to return to the franchise's titular realm. Many are speculating that The Matrix 4 could be a passing-of-the-torch style tale, with Neo and Trinity handing over the reins to a fresh cast, setting up future sequels. Some reports have suggested a Young Morpheus is currently being cast - hinting at either flashbacks or time travel.

THE MATRIX 4 RELEASE DATE



Given the enormity of the project, it's very hard to predict when The Matrix 4 will release in theaters. Evidently in its infant stages, The Matrix 4 is currently in the process of assembling its cast and crew, recently recruiting original concept artist Geofrey Darrow, and is tentatively slated to begin production in early 2020. However, this is a project repeatedly delayed over the years and with Keanu Reeves lined up for a variety of movies over the coming years, there is plenty of scope for further setbacks. IMDB have The Matrix 4 listed for 2022 and, assuming production goes smoothly, this is perhaps the earliest feasible estimate.