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The Matrix 4 Restarts Filming In Berlin

Things seemed touch and go for this newest installment, but looks like it's back on track

By Silek Thu 27 Aug, 2020 4:15 PM
Back in March of 2017, we learned that Lana Wachowski had been writing a script and that The Matrix 4 had begun pre-production.

Fans immediately took to the internet to speculate on where the plot might be taking them, who would return to their iconic roles, and how in the heck are they going to bring Neo and Trinity back from the dead. Few films have such a dedicated multi-generational fanbase, and just like some of our most cherished sci-fi franchises, the fans seem to split into the purists looking to maintain the rule-set established in the trilogy, some hoping the newer movie might take it in new directions, and even others who hope it would more blatantly and purposefully embrace the trans allegory the Wachowskis revealed the story to be.

Things seemed to be progressing at steady rate and it was announced that The Matrix 4 would be released May 21, 2021.

Then, Covid hit.

As the world shut down and scaled back, projects throughout the movie and television industries ground to a halt putting not just The Matrix 4, but a whole slate of studio projects into limbo while executives decided which ones were worth the investment such delays would cause.

In an interview recently with the Associated Press, Keanu Reeves set our minds at ease (doesn't he always) confirming that production had resumed, and filming was back underway in Berlin, Germany.

Reeves said, “Everyone loves the project and if you’re ever going to get in a situation that needs to be figured out…show business people are the best. We’re scrappy, we know how to get stuff done, we’re inventive, we think on our feet. It’s a great honor and I’m grateful to be working.”

Reeves also seems to be happy with the COVID safety measures being utilized on the set and considers them productive and well executed. Reeves told Deadline, “There’s thoughtful, effective protocols in place. The rhythm of filmmaking has not really been interrupted or impacted, and that’s because of all the hard work and organization.”

Getting back into production has given many fans a sigh of relief, but even getting the movie off the ground seemed like an almost impossible task. Carrie-Anne Moss, who plays Trinity in the series, told CNN, "I never thought that it would happen. It was never on my radar at all. When it was brought to me in the way that it was brought to me, with incredible depth and all of the integrity and artistry that you could imagine, I was like, 'This is a gift. It was just very exciting."

Reeves has stated he decided to continue with the franchise because, "Lana Wachowski wrote a beautiful script and a wonderful story that resonated with me. That's the only reason to do it. To work with her again is just amazing," Reeves said. "It's been really special, and the story has, I think, some meaningful things to say, and that we can take some nourishment from."

The reclusive Lana Wachowski followed up by tweeting, “Many of the ideas Lilly and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now. I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”

While it has been confirmed that many of our favorites will return, such as Reeves, Moss, as Neo and Trinity, they will share the screen again with Jada Pinkett Smith and newcomers to the franchise,Brian J Smith, Erendira Ibarra, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Ellen Hollman, Neil Patrick Harris and Jessica Henwick, among others.

Sadly, two of the most beloved have confirmed that they will not be part of the fourth installment.

Lawrence Fishburn, who has played the Merlin-esque sage Morpheus told IndieWire “I have not been asked to join them, which is fine,” Fishburne added. “I am hopeful that it will be wonderful and it will satisfy audiences and that people will love it,” adding, “I have no clue. I haven’t read anything (in the script). Maybe that will make me write another play. I’m looking for the blessing in that. I wish them well. I hope it’s great.”

Hugo Weaving, the determined Agent Smith, however was asked to return, but found it difficult with his scheduled commitments, telling IndieWire, “It’s unfortunate but actually I had this offer (for the play ‘The Visit’) and then the offer came from ‘The Matrix,’ so I knew it was happening but I didn’t have dates,” Weaving said. “I thought (I) could do both and it took eight weeks to work out that the dates would work… I was in touch with Lana Wachowski, but in the end she decided that the dates weren’t going to work. So we’d sorted the dates and then she sort of changed her mind. They’re pushing on ahead without me.”

Like most of our big budgeted universe building franchises, it will be impossible to give everyone what they hope to see in the new installment. Like other movies with extended sequels I hope it playes to every one of my expectations, but in the end, will be happy to get my $14.00 worth, at the movies.


Are you excited about this fourth installment? Let us know in the comments below!


WRITTEN AND EDITED BY Silek
1 Comment
Thu 27 Aug, 2020 10:13 PM
Great read, can't wait for The Matrix 4. After reading this, I'm hopeful for the movie, it better deliver!