This project seems to be in such early stages that they haven't even really decided yet what it would be, but word has leaked out that Warner Bros. is looking into the possibility of rebooting the 1999 sci-fi action blockbuster THE MATRIX.
At this point in the reboot/remake trend, it wouldn't be surprising to see THE MATRIX actually done over from the ground up; franchises are rebooted quickly and frequently these days, and it wouldn't be surprising if some executives felt there was a need for a fresh, new take on that old 1999 movie because it's from a whole different century. But it doesn't sound like Warner Bros. actually wants to directly remake the first movie.
No details have been revealed about the reboot treatment that is currently being written by Zak Penn (whose career started with LAST ACTION HERO and has continued through the likes of X-MEN 2, ELEKTRA, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, and THE AVENGERS), but a source indicated to The Hollywood Reporter that Warner Bros. is looking to expand the MATRIX property in a way similar to what Disney is doing with STAR WARS,
exploring the hidden corners of the universe with movies such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story or the in-production young Han Solo film. Perhaps a young Morpheus movie could come out of the exploration, as an example.
Sources have also said that there is interest in approaching Michael B. Jordan to take the lead in the rebooted series.
Apparently it was THE MATRIX producer Joel Silver who approached Warner Bros. with the idea of digging into the mythology to find a way to tell more stories. It's not clear what sort of involvement Silver would have with any films going forward, though, especially since there is a "strained relationship" between him and the Wachowski siblings, the creators of the franchise. The Wachowskis are not yet involved with what's going on at Warner Bros., but the studio is hoping to get their blessing.
We'll keep you updated as the reboot project continues developing. It could become something, or it could just fall apart.
1999's THE MATRIX starred Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving. The story
sees humanity living in a simulated reality, unaware that humans are in pods in which their bodies are being harvested for energy. A computer programmer named Neo slowly becomes aware of this suppressed existence, eventually becoming humanity’s one true hope (Neo = One) to overthrow the oppressors.
Reeves went on to star in THE MATRIX RELOADED and THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS. He has said that he would consider coming back for another sequel, but only if it was being written and directed by the Wachowskis.
