New 'Matrix' Movie: Zak Penn Confirms It's Not A Reboot Or Continuation

In March, word broke that a potential reboot of The Matrix, the influential 1999 sci-fi hit that reshaped the action movie landscape and made billowy coats cool again, was in the works at Warner Brothers. X-Men: The Last Stand and Ready Player One screenwriter Zak Penn was mentioned as being attached to the film, and Penn later tried to set the record straight by saying the film was not really a reboot. Now Penn has offered a new update. Get the details on the new Matrix movie below.

Not long after the Matrix reboot rumor began to take shape, screenwriter Zak Penn attempted to reassure fans who were instantly skeptical of the project, especially since Matrix creators Lilly and Lana Wachowski were not involved with the new film at all. Why reboot something that was already so well loved (I'm talking about the first movie here; let's just pretend those two sequels don't exist)? It's a thought echoed by the film's star. Speaking recently at NYCC, Keanu Reeves said, "Remaking The Matrix. I don't know. Maybe it's...I don't know anything about it." Zak Penn had this to say::

"Can't comment yet except to say that the words 'reboot' and 'remake' were from an article. Let's stop responding to inaccurate news. All I can say at this point is no one could or should REBOOT the Matrix. People who know Animatrix and the comics understand. Do I want to see more stories set in the universe of The Matrix? Yes. Because it's a brilliant idea that generates great stories. Look at what people are doing with Xmen universe. Between Logan and Legion and Deadpool, does anyone want them to stop? Not me."

Now Penn has offered a new, albeit similar, update on the project via his Twitter page. And since Mr. Penn doesn't appear to enjoy threading his tweets, I took the liberty of compiling them into one statement:

"Re: the Matrix, yes I'm writing something. Not a reboot, not a continuation, watch Animatrix, read comics to see what Wachowskis did. A script in development is not a movie. No casting, director, style can be discussed yet. Nothing to see here folks...yet. No need to put actors or anyone on the spot, because there's nothing there yet. No reboot or reimagining, no recasting involved. And this is not the point in process that those decisions get made. So many hoops to jump through, the first one I gotta do myself."

The Animatrix was a series of 9 short animated films that delved into the backstory of The Matrix universe, so it would seem that Penn is hinting the script he's working on will continue to expand The Matrix mythology and explore even more elements of The Matrix world.

Of course, you and I both know that if and when this film sees the light of day, everyone is just going to call it a reboot. As Penn says, it's still way too early to talk about directors or casting. As for Keanu Reeves, the actor has said in the past he's open to the idea of more Matrix films, but only if the Wachowskis were involved. "They would have to write it and direct it," Reeves told Yahoo Movies. "And then we'd see what the story is, but yeah, I dunno, that'd be weird, but why not?" In other words, since the Wachowskis aren't involved here, don't hold your breath.