The Matrix Director Shoots Down Return to the Franchise Despite Fifth Movie in the Works

The original director is done with the franchise.

matrix 5 keanu reeves
matrix 5 keanu reeves
Michael Baculinao
By Michael BaculinaoNews Writer

  • Primary Subject: Lilly Wachowski's franchise departure and The Matrix 5 development
  • Key Update: Lilly Wachowski confirmed she is "done" with The Matrix franchise.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: September 7, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Lilly Wachowski refuses to return for The Matrix 5, though director Drew Goddard won't move forward without getting her and Lana's official blessing.

The Matrix co-director Lilly Wachowski has shot down the possibility of returning to the franchise despite a new project in the works.

In the last few years, a fifth installment of the hit science-fiction action franchise has been in the works, with Oscar nominee Drew Goddard working on the script. Fans have been wondering whether the original filmmakers and cast, including Keanu Reeves, will be returning for the next round.

Why Lilly Wachowski Is Not Returning in The Matrix 5

The Matrix
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Credit: Warner Bros.

In an interview with KCRW's The Business, Lilly Wachowski revealed she is not working on the next installment of The Matrix, and she is done with the franchise.

"Warner Bros., they wanna make another thing. They’re always gonna wanna make another thing. Personally, I don’t wanna play in that sandbox anymore. I’m kinda done," she said.

Wachowski acknowledged the Drew Goddard project that is currently in the works, but she claimed that it may not move forward without their blessing.

"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 added.

"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 Wachowski's remarks may not be surprising for some fans, given that she was absent from Resurrections, with her sister Lana solely directing that installment.

For now, let's wait and see whether Goddard's project will eventually move forward in the future, since fans have been anticipating seeing what's next in the world of The Matrix.

What to Expect in The Matrix 5

Warner Bros. Pictures
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Credit: Warner Bros.

So far, plot details regarding The Matrix 5 are still under wraps, except that Drew Goddard is attached to write and direct, while Lana Wachowski is said to be involved as an executive producer.

In an interview earlier this year, Goddard shared an exciting update on the progress of the development of the fifth installment. He teased: "I’m in the cave writing. When I come out of the cave, we’ll have news."

So far, Warner Bros. has not set a release window yet for The Matrix 5. No casting has been made yet, nor has there been a confirmation about Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss' potential return.

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