The Wachowskis are some of the most influential filmmakers of the past two decades. Whether it’s with their work on films such as “Bound,” “Speed Racer,” or, of course, “The Matrix” (and its sequels), the filmmaking duo has consistently been on the forefront of pushing the boundaries of filmmaking with new technology and transgressive themes. And while Lana Wachowski has continued to work in films and TV series, most recently returning to “The Matrix” franchise for a fourth film, Lilly Wachowski walked away from the industry six years ago. And now, in a new interview with THR, the filmmaker explains why she had to walk away and why now is the time she’s starting to make a return.
For those not familiar, Lilly and Lana Wachowski are both trans women that were pretty much forced “out” by the media. And because of this and how the industry has evolved, Lilly Wachowski found herself unhappy with the work she was expected to do.
“I got in when film was at its peak, before boards and marketers found a way to wrangle movies,” Wachowski said. “Eventually, all those people and institutions ended up in the room with you and specifically behind the typewriter and behind the lens and behind the Avid. It created a bit of tension for me personally. I got to this breaking point and I had to walk away.”
At the time, she and her sister were still working on “Sense8” and had an entire production company that was being run. However, since then, as mentioned, Lana has created her own path with finishing up the Netflix series and beginning work on ‘Matrix 4.’ And just last year, Lilly came back into the business, as a developer, producer, and filmmaker for the Showtime comedy series “Work in Progress,” which features a lesbian lead and various other LGBTQ+ actors in roles.
And it’s because of “Work in Progress” and her own personal history with the industry, that Lilly Wachowski is sticking around for the time being.
“I’m getting more queer and trans folks on the screen to show what we’re capable of and what amazing artists we are,” she said. “That’s a hard thing to give up.”
“Work in Progress” was picked up for a second season but there’s no release date announced. The first season can be streamed now wherever you get your Showtime content.