As you approach the end of “The Matrix Resurrections,” it’s clear the film leaves the idea of future installments up for discussion. Can the series end now after this film? Sure. Does it have to? Absolutely not. (Though, the idea of where the franchise could possibly go is part of a big debate in the new episode of The Playlist Podcast.) Regardless of what fans might want, it appears the person who controls the fate of “The Matrix” franchise, director Lana Wachowski, has no desire to return to tell another tale.
In a recent red carpet interview with the Associated Press, a reporter asks Lana Wachowski if “The Matrix Resurrections” is the start of a new trilogy of films in the franchise. Remember, we are living in a legacy sequel world where these franchises are revived and characters return after long absences with the hope of new features to come. But not only does Lana Wachowski definitively say, “No,” but she does so after laughing at the question itself.
For those not aware of the genesis of “The Matrix Resurrections,” the Wachowskis have said for years they have no interest in returning to the franchise. But after the sudden death of her parents, Lana Wachowski was inspired to tell another story featuring Neo and Trinity. And with that context, it’s clear that the story she wanted to tell is a love story to honor her parents. “The Matrix Resurrections” is that story.
Not only that, ‘Resurrections’ goes out of its way to discuss, in a very meta way, just how terrible sequels and reboots actually are. This would make it very difficult for Lana Wachowski to return, given that ‘Resurrections’ was conceived with the best of intentions and a further sequel would seemingly be some sort of studio mandate.
That said, Warner Bros. can definitely continue with more installments of “The Matrix” franchise, with or without either Wachowski behind the camera. We’ll just have to see if the studio would be willing to do so.