After months of speculation and rumors, it’s official — “The Matrix 4” is a go, with Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning to star, and Lana Wachowski (one half of the Wachowski directing duo and co-creator of the whole damn thing) stepping behind the camera. But even though it appears that Warner Bros. has been working to get the whole gang back together for this new ‘Matrix’ film, there is going to be one major change, as cinematographer Bill Pope will not be returning to the franchise.
According to THR, “The Matrix 4” (or whatever it’ll be called — “The Matrix Re-Reloaded,” “The Matrix Returns,” “The Matrix Rebooted,” or whatever) will have John Toll as the director of photography when the cameras roll in the future. Toll is in negotiations to tackle the sci-fi/action franchise after previously working with the Wachowskis as the cinematographer on films like “Cloud Atlas” and “Jupiter Ascending,” as well as the TV series “Sense8.”
Toll previously won back-to-back Oscars for cinematography in 1994 and 1995, thanks to films “Legends of the Fall” and “Braveheart,” respectively. Other major works include “The Thin Red Line,” “Tropic Thunder,” and “Iron Man 3.” No, he’s not the man who brought you the first ‘Matrix’ trilogy, but if Pope had to be replaced, then Toll is more than capable of filling those shoes.
We still don’t have much information about “The Matrix 4,” other than the returning cast and the fact that Lana Wachowski is writing and directing. Will the film continue the story of Neo and Trinity that seemingly ended (no spoilers) in ‘Revolutions’ or is there something else up Wachowski’s sleeve that will allow Reeves and Moss to return but a new story to be told? We shall see.