The Matrix Rebooted?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. are looking to inject new life into The Matrix. The firm is said to be in talks with Zak Penn (X-Men 2, Behind Enemy Lines, The Avengers) to write a treatment. There is also chatter that Michael B. Jordan is being eyed for the starring role. What are your thoughts? Do you want to tumble down this rabbit hole or wake up from the nightmare?

Red or Blue?

In 1999, the Wachowskis took the world by storm with The Matrix. It's incredible story and visuals combining action, sci-fi and martial arts in ways not seen before. Certainly in Hollywood anyway. This, it seemed was the movie for the 21st Century. It would create new interest in Keanu Reeves, as well as making stars out of Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and the Wachowskis. Then in 2003, the long awaited sequels hit cinemas and at first fans were incredibly excited. But after the initial hype we realised that despite some great action set pieces, Reloaded and Revolutions did not live up to the original. In fact they fell way short!

The sequels did not live up to the original!

Some development of the lore surrounding 'The One' and the introduction of strange new characters (an arrogant Frenchman, transparent twins and a confusing beard to mention a few) were detrimental to the plot. Add to that the replacement of bullet time with some sub par CGI and you've lost everything that made the original so great. Even the action, as great as it was, has nothing on the first movie! Did people talk about the freeway scene from Reloaded or the sentinel attack on Zion from Revolutions like they did about the lobby scene from The Matrix?

So will this fourth movie be a sequel to the original trilogy? Or do Warner Bros. want to reboot the franchise and start again? Now I know most fans would say leave it alone. As it stands, the Wachowskis are not attached and neither is Keanu Reeves, who apparently won't return without them. There has been no mention of other cast members. According to sources, Michael B. Jordan is being considered for the lead role. Could his character be Neo reincarnated or is he just the next version of 'The One'? Jordan is a great choice for any starring role, I first saw him play 'Wallace' in The Wire, a great performance by all accounts. But given his recent career high (Creed) and low (Fantastic Four) have both involved a reboot, wouldn't it be great to see him take on an original project?

Given that The Matrix is almost twenty years old, a reboot will create many new fans. It's sure to make millions of dollars too. But should they pick up the story where Revolutions left off? Or should they start the story again? Let us know what you think.

Zak Penn has since responded to these rumours. To see what he had to say, click here.