5th Entry in Hit Sci-Fi Action Franchise Gets First Major Update in 2 Years

A familiar digital universe may be preparing to reload once again. After an extended stretch without updates, the writer-director attached to the next installment of the landmark sci-fi franchise, The Matrix, has confirmed that work is ongoing, signaling movement on the long-gestating fifth chapter.

The Matrix 5 gets a promising update from writer-director

The Matrix 5 remains in development, with writer and director Drew Goddard confirming progress after two years of limited updates. In an interview with ScreenRant for Project Hail Mary, Goddard said, “Still in the works. 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. announced the fifth installment in 2024 and hired Drew Goddard to write and direct it. At the time, executive Jesse Ehrman said the story “will advance the fantasy world without straying too far from what made the series a success.” The studio has not confirmed a filming start or release date, as executives will determine the next steps after reviewing the script.

The Matrix Resurrections earned $158 million worldwide against a reported $190 million budget and holds a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Warner Bros. released the film during COVID-19 with a simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max debut, and Lana Wachowski directed the production amid pandemic-related interruptions.

The studio has not confirmed any cast for the new installment. In 2021, Keanu Reeves said he would return as Neo if Lana Wachowski invited him. In April 2025 on The View, Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus) said his return would depend on “who is involved,” “how well the script has been written,” and being offered the role, adding that production “didn’t respond well to that” when he volunteered for the 2021 film.

The upcoming sequel will be the first live-action Matrix film without either Wachowski sister directing. Lana Wachowski, however, will serve as executive producer.

During development, Goddard worked on Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir’s novel. He also created ABC’s High Potential and joined James Gunn in mapping the DC Universe after Gunn became co-boss of DC Studios.