A new chapter in The Matrix franchise is taking shape, but one major question still hangs in the air. Drew Goddard has finally addressed whether Keanu Reeves will return, offering clarity without giving fans a definitive answer.

Drew Goddard on if Keanu Reeves will be in The Matrix 5

Drew Goddard is stepping into a big role as writer and director of The Matrix 5, and he’s approaching it with caution. In a recent interview, he explained that the project is still in its writing phase, which limits what he can reveal right now. When asked directly about Keanu Reeves returning as Neo, Goddard kept things vague. “I can’t speak to that,” he said, hinting that no casting decisions have been confirmed yet. While that’s not a yes, it’s also not a no, leaving the door open for possibilities (via Variety).

Even without casting details, Goddard emphasized how seriously he’s taking the job. He praised the original creators, Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, saying their work had a “profound impact” on him. He added that he wants to respect both the fans and the legacy while still telling a story he personally connects with.

The Matrix kicked off back in 1999. The first film, led by Keanu Reeves along with Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss, dropped audiences into a dark, mind-bending world. Humans were living fake lives inside a simulated reality without even knowing it. Critics loved it, and fans were all in. The sequels followed up by going deeper into the lore and expanding that universe.

Fast forward to the latest chapter, The Matrix Resurrections, which was not greatly received. However, filmmaker Drew Goddard saw it differently. He said the film “resonated” with him and even called it “the most emotional of the four.“ That said, timing wasn’t exactly on its side. The movie dropped during the pandemic, when theaters were still struggling. On top of that, Warner Bros. was pushing films on streaming at the same time.

For now, The Matrix 5 remains in early development.