The Matrix co-creator Lilly Wachowski has revealed that she has largely moved on from the franchise, but her connection to the series could still influence the future of Matrix 5. Drew Goddard is developing the next movie for Warner Bros., and according to Wachowski, the filmmaker does not want to proceed without her and sister Lana Wachowski approving his vision.
The update gives Matrix 5 an unusual creative hurdle. Although Warner Bros. continues to have an interest in another movie, Goddard is apparently determined to respect the filmmakers who originally created the franchise before taking the story in a new direction.
Lilly Wachowski Is Not Looking to Return to The Matrix
Speaking with Kim Masters for KCRW’s The Business (KCRW), Wachowski made it clear that she personally has little interest in returning to the world of The Matrix.
“Personally, I don’t want to play in that sandbox anymore. I’m kind of done,”
she said.
However, Wachowski explained that Goddard’s approach has made the situation more complicated. She said the filmmaker
“doesn’t want to go forward unless he gets our blessing,”
referring to herself and Lana, while adding that they might still “stick our noses in a tiny bit” to determine whether they are comfortable with his plans.
Warner Bros. announced Goddard as the writer and director of Matrix 5 in 2024. The project is set to be the first mainline Matrix movie not directed by either Wachowski sister, with Lana remaining involved as an executive producer.
Goddard has previously emphasized how seriously he takes the responsibility of continuing the franchise. In a March 2026 interview with Variety, he said he needed “space to find the best story” and stressed his admiration for what Lana and Lilly created. The project was still being written at that point, with no confirmed cast or release date.
That means major questions remain unanswered, including whether Keanu Reeves or Carrie-Anne Moss will return. For now, Matrix 5 remains in development, while Lilly Wachowski’s latest comments suggest that the franchise’s original creators could still have an important say in whether Goddard’s new chapter ultimately moves forward.
