‘The Matrix 5’ Is Still Moving Forward as Drew Goddard Steps In to Write and Direct

The future of The Matrix franchise is still moving forward. After months of silence, Drew Goddard has confirmed that the next film is not dead.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Goddard shared an update on the long-awaited sequel, often referred to as The Matrix 5. He made it clear that the project is active and that he is currently focused on writing it. He said, I’m in my writing cave writing. I don’t know how long I’ll be in that writing cave, but whenever I come out, I’ll have news to share.

Warner Bros. first revealed in April 2024 that a new Matrix film was in development. At that time, the studio announced that Goddard would write and direct. No casting choices or story details were released. Since that announcement, there had been no public updates, leading some fans to believe the film may have been canceled.

This new chapter will mark a major shift for the franchise. It will be the first Matrix movie not directed by the Wachowskis. The original trilogy, The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Matrix Revolutions, helped define sci-fi cinema and earned a combined $1.8 billion worldwide. The 1999 original, starring Keanu Reeves, remains the most praised entry in the series.

The franchise’s last installment, The Matrix Resurrections in 2021, struggled both critically and financially. The film had a reported budget of $190 million but earned only $37 million at the domestic box office. Audience reaction was mixed. It received a B- CinemaScore and holds a 63 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many viewers felt the sequel did not live up to earlier films.

Goddard brings strong experience to the project. He directed The Cabin in the Woods and Bad Times at the El Royale. He has also written films such as Cloverfield and World War Z. On television, he worked on series including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias, and Lost. In addition to The Matrix 5, he is writing Project Hail Mary and a new western directed by Ridley Scott.

The Wachowskis have not been involved in the new installment. Their last film together was Jupiter Ascending in 2015. There has been no indication that they will return for this next chapter.

For now, The Matrix 5 remains in the writing stage. There is no release date, cast list, or plot summary. But according to Goddard’s own words to ScreenRant, the project is still alive.

This franchise needs a strong and clear direction after the last film divided fans. A fresh voice could help bring new life to the series, but it will not be easy. The original set a very high standard. What do you think? Should The Matrix continue, or should the story have ended years ago? Share your thoughts in the comments.