THE MATRIX 4 wasn't too far into filming when they had to shut down production in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The production, which had been dark since March, got back to work in the UK recently but fans were still worried that the halt in production would cause huge delays moving forward but the film's star, Keanu Reeves, has provided an upbeat update on how production has been handled since their return.
Keanu Reeves spoke with the "Associated Press" to promote BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC and the subject of THE MATRIX 4 came up. Reeves assured those listening that "the rhythm of filmmaking has not really been impacted or interrupted" thanks to effective safety protocols that are currently in place. You can check out Reeves' full response below:
Reeves also went on to say that the rest of THE MATRIX 4 cast and crew are all banding together basically living on that old performing adage, "the show must go on."
"You know, I think everyone loves the project. If you're ever going to get into any kind of situation that needs to be figured out or 'How do we do this?' Showbusiness people are the best. We're scrappy, we know how to get stuff done. We're inventive, we think on our feet. That kind of kindred spirit coming together. It goes back to 'Let's put on a show! We've got some props, we've got some things, we're going to run it!' That spirit is definitely alive and well on The Matrix."
It really seems like the productions that have resumed work in the overseas markets, have really figured out how to make sure the work environment is safe. Productions like this one or JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION, which also is back to work in the UK, will be looked at as the template to getting other productions back online domestically in the safest way possible as well. It's great to hear that morale is high and the tenacity to get the film done hasn't been diminished.
Plot details for THE MATRIX 4 have been kept under lock and key. All we really know is that, in addition to Reeves, the fourth installment also brings back Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Lambert Wilson while fresh faces include Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Toby Onwumere, Max Riemelt, Erendira Ibarra, Andrew Caldwell, Brian J. Smith, and Ellen Hollman. Lana Wachowski is at the helm of the project while sharing screenwriting duties with Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell.
THE MATRIX 4 is currently scheduled to be released on April 1, 2022, and if Reeves' enthusiasm about the rhythm of production is any indication, it's a date that the film will definitely be able to make.