The Matrix 5 Is Happening, But Details Remain Scarce

Screenwriter Drew Goddard is tackling the mysterious new sequel, but the Wachowskis are not directly involved.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:04pm

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Despite Lana Wachowski's insistence that The Matrix saga belongs to her and her sister Lilly, a fifth installment in the iconic sci-fi franchise is now in development. Screenwriter Drew Goddard, known for films like Project Hail Mary, has been tapped to write the new Matrix movie, though details about the plot, cast, and release timeline remain scarce. Goddard has expressed his reverence for the Wachowskis' original trilogy and the responsibility he feels to do right by the fans, but he's remaining tight-lipped about specifics as the project is still in the early writing stages.

Why it matters

The Matrix is one of the most influential and beloved sci-fi franchises of all time, so news of a fifth installment is sure to generate significant interest and speculation among fans. However, the involvement of the Wachowskis, who directed the original trilogy, remains uncertain, raising questions about the creative direction of the new film and whether it will capture the magic of the original.

The details

Drew Goddard, the acclaimed screenwriter behind films like The Cabin in the Woods and Project Hail Mary, has been tapped to write the screenplay for the new Matrix movie. While Goddard has expressed his reverence for the Wachowskis' work and the responsibility he feels to do right by the fans, he has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the project, citing the early stages of the writing process. The Wachowskis, who directed the original Matrix trilogy, are not directly involved in the new film, though Lana Wachowski is on board as an executive producer.

  • In 2024, Drew Goddard delivered a successful pitch for a fifth Matrix movie to studio executives.
  • The new Matrix film is currently in the early stages of development, with Goddard working on the screenplay.

The players

Drew Goddard

An acclaimed screenwriter known for films like The Cabin in the Woods and Project Hail Mary, who has been tapped to write the screenplay for the new Matrix movie.

Lana Wachowski

One of the co-creators of the original Matrix trilogy, who is serving as an executive producer on the new Matrix film, though she is not directly involved in the writing or directing.

Lilly Wachowski

The other co-creator of the original Matrix trilogy, who is not directly involved in the new Matrix film, as she was occupied with work on the Showtime series Work in Progress.

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What they’re saying

“I can't say too much, because we're still in the stage of writing it. I need to give myself space to find the best story. I think the approach will be the way I approach anything, which is, do I love it?”

— Drew Goddard, Screenwriter

“I love what Lana and Lilly Wachowski did with those movies. They mean so much to me and I feel like they've had a profound impact on my creative voice. I take this responsibility very seriously. I feel the weight of wanting to do right by the fans, wanting to do right by the creators and wanting to do right for myself as a fan.”

— Drew Goddard, Screenwriter

What’s next

The future of the new Matrix film remains uncertain, as Warner Bros. faces an impending sale to Paramount, which could potentially impact the development and release of the project.

The takeaway

The announcement of a fifth Matrix movie has generated a mix of excitement and trepidation among fans, who are eager to see the iconic franchise continue but also wary of the creative direction it may take without the direct involvement of the Wachowskis. The success of the new film will depend on whether Goddard and the production team can capture the magic of the original trilogy while also offering a fresh and compelling take on the Matrix universe.