A new Matrix movie is happening – with a change

Warner Bros is set to create a new Matrix movie — and it'll be the first without one of the Wachowski sisters at the helm.

According to Deadline, The Martian screenwriter Drew Goddard is set to direct the upcoming fifth instalment, with co-creator Lana Wachowski returning as an executive producer.

"It is not hyperbole to say The Matrix films changed both cinema and my life," Goddard said of the news in a statement.

"Lana and Lilly's exquisite artistry inspires me on a daily basis, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories in their world."

Related: Matrix timeline - How to watch the movies in chronological order

Goddard will also be producing alongside Sarah Esberg (If Beale Street Could Talk, Beautiful Boy) for their production company Goddard Textiles.

It is not yet confirmed whether or not original stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving or Jada Pinkett Smith will be returning for the film.

Warner Bros Motion Pictures President of Production Jesse Ehrman also shared a statement on the news, stating: "Drew came to Warner Bros with a new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world, by both honoring what Lana and Lilly began over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters."

He continued: "The entire team at Warner Bros Discovery is thrilled for Drew to be making this new Matrix film, adding his vision to the cinematic canon the Wachowski's spent a quarter of a century building here at the studio."

Related: Matrix Resurrections ending explained - what happens to Neo?

Released back in 1999, The Matrix has gone on to become a modern classic, with the film having a lasting influence on pop culture as well as revolutionising the process of filmmaking.

The movie's popularity also spawned multiple spin-off works as well as sequels Reloaded (2003), Revolutions (2003) and most recently 2021's Resurrections. The most recent film was considered a financial disappointment with only $160 million at the box office, but still earned a BAFTA Film Award nomination for Best Special Visual Effects.

Meanwhile, Goddard started his career in TV, writing for classic shows like Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Alias, before having his film breakthrough with sci-fi blockbuster Cloverfield.

He would later spearhead Marvel's Daredevil show for Netflix, before earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for Matt Damon's film The Martian. He most recently wrote and directed Bad Times at the El Royale, the noir thriller starring Chris Hemsworth and Cynthia Erivo.

The Matrix Resurrections is available on Netflix in the UK and Max in the US, and to rent or buy on Amazon, Microsoft Store, iTunes and other digital retailers.

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