In 2021, the most famous sci-fi franchise of them all will be returning for a fourth round. Yep, Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and more will be back alongside director Lana Wachowski for a fourth film in the legendary Matrix series.

In a statement announcing the new film Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich said: “We could not be more excited to be re-entering ‘The Matrix’ with Lana. Lana is a true visionary – a singular and original creative filmmaker – and we are thrilled that she is writing, directing and producing this new chapter in ‘The Matrix’ universe.”

So, strap in and get ready to enter the Matrix once again – from cast members to a release date, plot, trailers and more, here’s everything we know so far about The Matrix 4.

Latest update:

• Production has been halted on The Matrix 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic

The Matrix 4 release date: when will it be released?

Announced back in December 2019, The Matrix 4 will be released on May 20, 2021, the same day as Keanu Reeves’ other new film, John Wick 4.

However, production was halted on The Matrix 4 last month due to the coronavirus pandemic. So it is likely that the film’s release could be pushed back. Although nothing has been announced yet.

The film was preparing to shoot in Berlin since the start of March, after filming in Germany and San Francisco. Warner Bros. paused the production indefinitely, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Matrix 4 trailer: is there a teaser yet?

Not yet, but if the release date remains as is, expect to get a first glimpse at the new film by the end of the year.

The Matrix 4 cast: who is in the new movie?

Keanu Reeves will return in the starring role as Neo, with Carrie-Anne Moss once again playing Trinity. They link up with original Matrix director Lana Wachowski.

Also confirmed to be on board for the new film is Aquaman, The Greatest Showman and Watchmen star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. As Variety reports, the actor, who also appeared in the Striking Vipers episode of Black Mirror), will play a “lead role” in the film, with some speculating that he will portray a young Morpheus.

Another name that’s been revealed for the Matrix 4 cast is How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris. The actor’s specific role is being kept under wraps, but is said to be “significant”.

There are also a number of rumours flying about as to other members of the cast. Iron Fist and Game Of Thrones actor Jessica Henwick is in talks to play a leading role, though there are no specifics yet available.

iZombie actor Andrew Caldwell was also recently confirmed to join franchise newcomers Priyanka Chopra and Mindhunter star Jonathan Groff in the film.

Another name also in contention is Jada Pinkett Smith, who would return for the role of Niobe, who she played in The Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions.

One actor is confirmed to not be returning for the sequel, though. Hugo Weaving, who portrayed Agent Smith in the first three films, recently announced that he will not be featuring since the filming clashed with his starring role in the theatre production of The Visit.

Has filming begun for The Matrix 4?

It has indeed. Eagle-eyed fans in San Francisco’s Chinatown have shared footage on social media of Reeves on set for the film.

Upon the release of the footage, fans have pointed out that Reeves’ character, Neo, has made some notable changes to his clothing choices as he wore a more casual green jacket, jeans and beanie hat.

Online users have already speculated that Neo’s unusually ordinary attire could mean that he has ended up being plugged back into the Matrix.

The Matrix 4 filming in San Francisco! – Feb 5 2020
Thanks to @rodrigoleandro (IG Story) https://t.co/W6UyEcSM8w#thematrix4 #matrix4 #KeanuReeves #SanFrancisco pic.twitter.com/FObYUXNxoI

— Keanu Planet (@keanuplanet) February 5, 2020

Production on the film was originally reported to be starting in Chicago in February of 2020, but there is clearly already activity in San Francisco first. The film is supposedly working under the title Project Ice Cream, as San Francisco-based newspaper SFGATE point out.

They write: “The San Francisco Film Commission confirmed to SFGATE a major film with the working title Project Ice Cream is scheduled to shoot in San Francisco in February, around the same time production is due to begin on The Matrix 4.”

Of course, now that production has shut down due to COVID-19, no news will be forthcoming for a while at least.

Plot details: what might happen in The Matrix 4?

Lana Wachowski and her cast are keeping very tight-lipped about any plot details for the forthcoming film.

“Many of the ideas [sister] Lilly [Wachowski] and I explored 20 years ago about our reality are even more relevant now,” Lana said in a statement accompanying the film’s confirmation. “I’m very happy to have these characters back in my life and grateful for another chance to work with my brilliant friends.”

Wachowski is working on the screenplay for the film alongside authors Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell.

One who has seen the script is Abdul-Mateen, who told Entertainment Weekly: “I’m very excited to do it. A great team and I think there’s going to be a lot of… it’s a very exciting relevant script that I’m honored to be a part of.”

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