The new Matrix hit the big screen and HBO Max over the weekend to a bit of a polarizing response and a muted box office debut which indicates that the film won’t be a game-changer like the 1999 movie that started it all. The new film is sprinkled with meta moments that seem to take jabs at Warner Bros. and the franchise as a whole but one, in particular, turns out to ring true more than others. During The Matrix Resurrections, the character Smith (Jonathan Groff) takes aim at Warner Bros. for possibly leaving Lana and Lily Wachowski (the creators of The Matrix franchise) behind to direct another Matrix film.
It appears that there is some truth to this notion because during a recent interview with Collider, Resurrections producer James McTeigue admitted that Warner Bros. had plans to hire a different director if Lana Wachowski wasn’t on board. McTeigue stated that the “money-making capability” of a fourth film meant there was “always talk” about making another sequel. Lana Wachowski ultimately jumped at the chance to direct and the studio was more than happy to have her back but it could’ve gone another way if she chose not to return:
“Look. I think when you’ve had a franchise with that much potential money making capability, there’s always talk. It’s in the same way that the Marvel universe repeats and turns in on itself, or you have Spider-Man, or you have Iron Man, or Thor. There’s always potential to update those movies just because of the possibility of making the money and telling new stories. I shouldn’t say it’s just a purely fiscal thought. But yeah, look, there was versions out there, but they hadn’t landed on the right version. So when Lana eventually came back around and said, “Look. I’m interested in making another movie,” of course, they went with the filmmaker who was the genesis of the Matrix.”
Where the franchise goes from here is pretty up in the air. The film debuted below expectations with $12 million over three days and $22.5 million over five. Even with a release during a typically money-making time at the box office, I suspect the film will struggle to gross $100 million domestically by the end of its run. With a reported $200 million budget, The Matrix Resurrections is going to need a big assist from overseas markets and a glowing turnout on HBO Max for Warner Bros. to feel justified moving along with a fifth film. Even though reports said this film wasn’t the start of a new trilogy, Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff has said they want a fifth movie and they want Lana Wachowski to return to direct. Let’s see how things pan out once they crunch the final numbers.
Would YOU have been interested in The Matrix Resurrections if Lana Wachowski didn’t return to direct?