More than 27 years after co-creating The Matrix, Lilly Wachowski says she has little interest in returning to the franchise, even as Warner Bros. moves forward with a fifth installment.
Speaking with Kim Masters on KCRW’s The Business, Wachowski dismissed speculation that she might direct the new film, acknowledging the studio’s ongoing appetite for more Matrix content while making clear she doesn’t share it.
“Warner Bros., they wanna make another thing. They’re always gonna wanna make another thing,” she said.
“Personally, I don’t wanna play in that sandbox anymore. I’m kinda done.”
Despite that distance, Wachowski indicated she and her sister, Lana, may still play some role in the new project.
“But there may be a thing that’s happening with Drew Goddard, and he doesn’t wanna go forward unless he gets our blessing,” she said.
“And so, it becomes this complicated situation where, maybe we’re gonna stick our noses in a tiny bit and see how we feel, and if we wanna pass on our blessing to Drew or not. So, it could be something that’s coming down the road, but it’s still unknown.”
Lilly and Lana Wachowski co-wrote and co-directed the original Matrix trilogy, The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions (both 2003), before Lana directed 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections on her own.
Goddard, known for writing The Martian and directing The Cabin in the Woods, is attached to write and direct the fifth film for Warner Bros., producing alongside his partner Sarah Esberg through their Goddard Textiles banner, with Lana remaining on board as an executive producer.
Goddard has previously said he takes the responsibility of extending the franchise “very seriously,” citing an obligation to honour both fans and the original creators, though casting details, including whether Keanu Reeves or Carrie-Anne Moss might return, remain unconfirmed.
Separately, Lilly Wachowski is currently working to secure financing for her own project, The Hunted, a dystopian political thriller featuring an all-trans cast.
