After The Matrix creator and original co-director Lilly Wachowski confirmed a long-held fan theory about the film's allegorical representation of transgender identities earlier this month, film series star Keanu Reeves has come forward with his own take.
In conversation with Yahoo Entertainment, Reeves admitted he had no idea about the hidden gender identity meaning in the franchise — though he does approve of the messaging.
"I never spoke to Lilly about that, she never conveyed that to me," he said. "I think The Matrix films are profound, and I think that allegorically, a lot of people in different versions of the film can speak to that. And for Lilly to come out and share that with us, I think is cool."
Previously, Wachowski had spoken with Netflix to confirm the theory, stating that she and her sister's trans identities definitely played a role in writing the films.
"I'm glad that it has gotten out," she said at the time. "That was the original intention, but the corporate world wasn't ready for it. There's a critical eye being cast back on Lana and I's work through the lens of our transness. This is a cool thing because it's an excellent reminder that art is never static."
While Lilly has stepped down from her involvement in the fourth instalment of The Matrix, Lana Wachowski is on board to direct The Matrix 4. The film has been scheduled to arrive in April 2022, following several delays due to COVID-19.
The Matrix 4 will still see the return of Reeves as Neo, Carrie-Anne Moss reprising her role as Trinity and Jada Pinkett Smith playing Niobe. As previously reported, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will be joining the cast for the fourth instalment, alongside Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick and Neil Patrick Harris.
Earlier this week, original trilogy star Laurence Fishburne revealed that he will not be returning for the film's fourth instalment.
In conversation with Yahoo Entertainment, Reeves admitted he had no idea about the hidden gender identity meaning in the franchise — though he does approve of the messaging.
"I never spoke to Lilly about that, she never conveyed that to me," he said. "I think The Matrix films are profound, and I think that allegorically, a lot of people in different versions of the film can speak to that. And for Lilly to come out and share that with us, I think is cool."
Previously, Wachowski had spoken with Netflix to confirm the theory, stating that she and her sister's trans identities definitely played a role in writing the films.
"I'm glad that it has gotten out," she said at the time. "That was the original intention, but the corporate world wasn't ready for it. There's a critical eye being cast back on Lana and I's work through the lens of our transness. This is a cool thing because it's an excellent reminder that art is never static."
While Lilly has stepped down from her involvement in the fourth instalment of The Matrix, Lana Wachowski is on board to direct The Matrix 4. The film has been scheduled to arrive in April 2022, following several delays due to COVID-19.
The Matrix 4 will still see the return of Reeves as Neo, Carrie-Anne Moss reprising her role as Trinity and Jada Pinkett Smith playing Niobe. As previously reported, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will be joining the cast for the fourth instalment, alongside Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick and Neil Patrick Harris.
Earlier this week, original trilogy star Laurence Fishburne revealed that he will not be returning for the film's fourth instalment.