While “The Matrix” franchise series recently returned to the big screen and HBO Max with “The Matrix Resurrections,” the future of the series remains in serious doubt. While Omicron isn’t helping, and the fact that the film was available day and date on HBO Max, its box-office showing thus far hasn’t been very remarkable. ‘Resurrections’ has only grossed $32.9 million domestically and $107 million worldwide, numbers not impressive enough to merit sequels. Even before those dismal numbers came in, director Lana Wachowski dismissed the idea of returning for a second trilogy. And if you’ve seen the actual movie, you know the meta-qualities of the film already suggest she was held at gunpoint with the options of either making a 4th ‘Matrix’ movie or watching Warner Bros. do whatever they wanted to the series without her.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter is following up with a new report that makes forecasting future ‘Matrix’ films even more unlikely.
Firstly, star Keanu Reeves doesn’t have sequel options on his contract, making it harder for Warner Bros. to compel the busy actor to return as Neo for more installments. Wachowski’s aforementioned response doesn’t leave much for interpretation about her desire to direct sequels, and Reeves’ return was always contingent on her participation.
Additionally, while there were rumors of two more films being shot back-to-back and even the potential of a series spin-off focusing on Jessica Henwick’s character Bugs, but HBO insiders have insisted to THR that those things, notably a spin-off series, isn’t happening despite Henwick’s interest in reprising Bugs in the future.
“The Matrix Resurrections” opened to a paltry $10.7 million domestically and has mentioned has not even surpassed $110 million at the global box office after three weeks of release, not the best results for one of the top-grossing adult-focused film franchises. The timing of the R-rated sequel’s release was obviously poor given the dominating global competition of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” That coupled with a streaming option with your subscription to HBO Max that reportedly trails “Godzilla Vs. Kong,” mixed reactions from reviewers, and the growing concern of Omicron’s community spread of COVID-19 seemingly lead older audiences to stay at home. It’s a combination that likely means the new installment will fall far short of box office expectations, even during the handicapped COVID times.
Hypothetically, the studio could continue without Wachowski as that was on the table before developing “The Matrix Resurrections.” Still, Reeves and Moss likely won’t sign on without her, and they’ll be right back to the square one start they were at several years ago.