The Matrix 5 is happening, and Keanu Reeves already confirmed his only condition to return as Neo. Warner Bros. surprisingly put another Matrix movie into development in early 2024 with the announcement that Drew Goddard was tapped to write and direct a new installment. The Matrix 5 entered development only three years after The Matrix Resurrections appeared to wrap up the franchise with a critical and commercial disappointment. Details on the fifth Matrix movie are scarce, including whether Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will return.
Excitement for The Matrix 5 could change depending on whether Reeves and Moss return as Neo and Trinity. At this point, neither is confirmed to be involved in the sequel. Plot details for The Matrix 5 are still not known, but it would stand to reason that Warner Bros. would want to keep the franchise’s main stars involved. The interest on their part would make sense, but that does not necessarily mean that the actors will return. The good news is that Keanu Reeves has already confirmed what it would take for him to be in The Matrix 5.
The Matrix Resurrections ended on a somewhat ambiguous note, which opened the door for the franchise to continue in the recently announced Matrix 5.
He’s Open To Playing Neo Again
Even before Warner Bros. officially put The Matrix 5 into development, the possibility of another film happening was a major point of discussion thanks to The Matrix Resurrections‘ ending. This led to Reeves being asked about the likelihood of another sequel and if he would return for it while speaking to Empire in 2021. He initially made it sound like another installment was not part of the plan. But when he was pressed about his interest in returning, he said it was up to Lana Wachowski, saying, “If she invites me again, I’m in.”
Keanu Reeves is no stranger to franchise movies and sequels, and his The Matrix 5 return condition puts his franchise future in Lana Wachowski’s hands. He is a fan of playing Neo and would be open to playing the character again, but only under the right circumstances. It seems that the most important thing to him isn’t that The Matrix 5 has a great script, a leading role for him, or something more directly concerned with himself. Reeves, instead, is mostly focused on making sure that if he plays Neo again, he has Wachowski’s blessing.
Plans for The Matrix 5 prove that there are more stories to tell in the Wachowskis’ franchise, but the movie can’t ignore its biggest characters.
What Lana Wachowski’s Matrix 5 Involvement Means For Keanu Reeves’ Return
Lana Wachowski Is Not Directing
The likelihood of Keanu Reeves returning for Matrix 5 is complicated based on his condition. Lana Wachowski is not writing or directing the new installment, with Drew Goddard being handed the reigns to the franchise. However, Lana Wachowski is still technically involved as a producer. It is not clear how directly connected Lana is to Matrix 5‘s development generally, as she could only be attached as a producer given her history with the property.
| Movie | Lana Wachowski’s Role |
|---|---|
| The Matrix | Co-Director, Co-Writer, Executive Producer |
| The Matrix Reloaded | Co-Director, Co-Writer, Executive Producer |
| The Matrix Revolutions | Co-Director, Co-Writer, Executive Producer |
| The Matrix Resurrections | Director, Co-Writer, Producer |
| The Matrix 5 | Producer |
Lana Wachowski might not be leading Matrix 5‘s development, but it would still be smart for Goddard and Warner Bros. to keep her in the loop and make sure she is on board with the new plans. Doing this could mean that Lana can still be an instrumental voice and convince Keanu that he should return as Neo again. If this does not happen and she is left out of the development, The Matrix 5 could have a difficult time getting Reeves attached. It would require him to change his stance and loyalty to Lana, which does not seem likely.
