Keanu Reeves is willing to play Neon again if Lana Wachowski asks.
In an unexpected turn, Warner Bros. has decided to continue exploring the Matrix universe with a new installment, The Matrix 5. The announcement came in early 2024 and confirmed that Drew Goddard will be responsible for writing and directing this new adventure. This news comes three years after the release of The Matrix Resurgence, which failed to meet critical and commercial success as expected. Details about The Matrix 5 are scarce, but what has caught fans’ attention is whether Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will play Neo and Trinity, respectively.
The future of Neo and Trinity
Much of the excitement surrounding The Matrix 5 depends on the return of its main stars, Reeves and Moss. There is no confirmation yet about his involvement in the sequel, and plot details remain under wraps. However, it’s reasonable to assume that Warner Bros. would want to retain its main cast to ensure the franchise’s success. The good news for fans is that Reeves has already expressed his willingness to return, but in a very clear way.
Even before Warners officially announced the fifth installment, the possibility of another film was a recurring theme, especially after the end of The Matrix Resurrection. In the year In an interview with Empire in 2021, Revs was asked about another sequel and his willingness to return. At first, it seemed there was no other room in the plans. But when pressed about his desire to make a comeback, Reeves made it clear that it was all up to Lana. “If she invites me again, I’ll go in,” he said.
Reeves is no stranger to franchises and sequels, and his return to The Matrix 5 puts his future in Lana’s hands. Although he loves playing Neo, Reeves agrees to return under the right circumstances, ensuring he has the Wachowski’s blessing to continue.
Lana’s participation in The Matrix 5
The possibility of Reeves returning to The Matrix 5 is complicated by his situation. Lana will not be writing or directing the new episode as Drew Goddard has taken over the franchise. However, Wakowski is still involved as a producer, although it is not clear how direct her relationship will be to the development of the next episode.
Although Lana is not leading the development of the next film, Goddard and Warner Bros. are wise to ensure that she remains and is in the new plans. Doing so could mean Lana being a key voice and convincing Reeves to return as Neo. If this isn’t the case and she is excluded from development, The Matrix 5 may have a difficult time keeping Reeves involved. He is unlikely to change his position and loyalty to Lana.
A clear case for Neo’s return
Reeves’ return as Neo in The Matrix 5 not only shows his loyalty to Lana, but his deep connection to the character and the saga. In the year Since its debut in 1999, Neo has become one of the most recognizable characters in science fiction cinema, thanks to Wakkowski’s fresh perspective and Reeves’ charismatic performance. Reeves making Lana’s involvement a condition speaks to his desire to maintain the solidity and consistency of the Matrix universe.
Additionally, the relationship between Neo and Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, was essential to the success of the franchise. The chemistry between both the actors and the emotional depth of their characters really resonated with fans. If they both return, The Matrix 5 could hold back some of the magic that made the first films so special, giving fans a chance to continue this amazing story.
The next installment of The Matrix has the potential to revive the franchise as long as the key pieces align.