The Netflix series Sense8, which sibling filmmakers Lana and Lilly Wachowski created with J. Michael Straczynski, didn't last very long – but while making that show Lana Wachowski established some working relationships that are continuing beyond Sense8's cancellation. She is currently gearing up to make THE MATRIX 4, which she will be directing from a screenplay she wrote with Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell – both of whom worked on Sense8. (Mitchell also wrote the novel the Wachowskis' Tom Tykwer collaboration CLOUD ATLAS was based on.) The cast of THE MATRIX 4 will include Sense8 cast member Toby Onwumere. And now another Sense8 actor has landed a role in the sci-fi action sequel.
The latest person to be cast in THE MATRIX 4 is Eréndira Ibarra, who played Daniela on Sense8. Details on her MATRIX role were not revealed.
Returning MATRIX stars Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jada Pinkett Smith are also on board for THE MATRIX 4, as are franchise newcomers Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, Jonathan Groff, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
There are persistent rumors that Abdul-Mateen may be playing a younger version of the character Morpheus, who was played by Laurence Fishburne in the previous three films.
Another actor who may be showing up in the new MATRIX is Lambert Wilson, who appeared in THE MATRIX RELOADED and THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS as data smuggler The Merovingian. Speaking with Allocine (as translated by The Playlist), Wilson said he
is in negotiations to return to the franchise in the upcoming fourth film. However, the actor is concerned that his schedule might conflict with the production and he’ll have to be excluded.
Hopefully scheduling won't be an issue and Wilson will be able to reprise the role.
Lana and Lilly Wachowski wrote and directed all of the previous MATRIX films, but Lilly doesn't seem to be involved with this one. Lana is producing the film with Grant Hill.
There has been some indication that THE MATRIX 4 might begin filming in San Francisco next month. It's scheduled to reach theatres on May 21, 2021.