The Matrix Reboot Reportedly In The Works
[Update] The upcoming Matrix movie will be an expansion of the series, not a reboot.
[UPDATE] Screenwriter Zak Penn, who is reportedly in negotiations to write the new Matrix film, has spoken up on Twitter about plans for the upcoming film. He said that the film is not a reboot or remake. While he can't come right out and say that, at this point in time, he went on to mention films like Animatrix, as well as the growing X-Men Cinematic Universe with Deadpool and Logan. It seems as though the new Matrix film will be expanding the world instead of rebooting it.
Original story below.
Warner Bros. is reportedly planning a reboot of hit 1999 sci-fi movie The Matrix.
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Warner Bros. is "in the early stages of developing a relaunch of The Matrix," with Zak Penn in talks to write a first draft. Penn previously co-wrote X-Men: The Last Stand's script and worked on the story of Avengers Assemble, among other projects.
Additionally, Michael B. Jordan (Fantastic Four, Creed, Black Panther) is being lined up to star in the reboot, though there is apparently a long way to go before anything is finalized. The Wachowskis, the siblings who wrote and directed the original and its sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, are not currently involved in the nascent project, though Warner Bros. reportedly want the directorial pair on board to some extent, even if it's just to give their blessings for the reboot to go ahead.
The original trilogy's producer, Joel Silver, is reportedly keen to be involved, but The Hollywood Reporter says Warner Bros. is wary of getting the Die Hard and Lethal Weapon producer on board because of his rumored strained relationship with the Wachowskis.
Representatives for Warner Bros., the Wachowskis, and Silver all declined to comment.
The Matrix was released in 1999 to universal acclaim, winning four Academy Awards and generating over $450 million at the worldwide box office. Reloaded and Revolutions received good and mixed reviews, respectively.
All three films starred Keanu Reeves as main protagonist Neo. Reeves was most recently seen in John Wick: Chapter 2, and while promoting that film he told Yahoo Movies that he'd be open to doing another Matrix film, but only if the Wachowskis were involved. "They would have to write it and direct it," he told the site. "And then we'd see what the story is, but yeah, I dunno, that'd be weird, but why not?"
However, it is reported that Warner Bros. wants a fresh start for the franchise and would therefore seek out a new director and star.
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