The Matrix may be coming back to the big screen for a fourth installment and sooner than initially believed if a new online rumor proves accurate.
According to a report by Discussing Film, the Wachowskis are set to return as directors for the new Matrix film. Zak Penn will write the screenplay and Michael B. Jordan will star. The report also indicates that production on this film will begin in early 2020 in Chicago under the working title “Project Ice Cream”. Jordan’s Outlier Society Productions and Warner Bros will reportedly produce the film. There are no plot details at this time, nor is it clear if the rumored film will be a reboot or a sequel to the initial Matrix trilogy.
Perhaps more interestingly, the film is expected to begin principal photography as early as the first half of 2020 in Chicago, with the crew quietly being assembled for pre-production including returning art director Hugh Bateup who will serve as a production designer for the new film. It is unclear if the rumored film is a sequel, spinoff, or complete reboot of the franchise.
Fans have been hopeful that the Wachowskis would return to the Matrix after Penn took to Twitter in 2017 to discuss his participation in the project.
“… Yes I’m writing something,” Penn wrote on Twitter. “Not a reboot, not a continuation, watch Animatrix, read comics to see what Wachowskis did… A script in development is not a movie … No casting, director, style can be discussed yet. Nothing to see here folks…yet.”
Penn’s tweets specifically refer to The Animatrix, The Matrix‘s tie-in animated anthology direct-to-DVD release, and The Matrix comics, perhaps a reminder to fans that the Wachowskis built a universe much more expansive than just Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity — which could make for an interesting project should the rumors prove to be true.
Source: ComicBook
