This was reported by espreso.tv

American director and screenwriter Drew Goddard, who wrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lost, and The Martian, is working on a new film in the Matrix franchise from Warner Bros. He will write and direct the fifth film in the franchise. For the first time, Lana Wachowski, co-writer and co-director of the franchise, will not direct The Matrix, but will serve as an executive producer.

It's too early to say whether main actors Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving and Jada Pinkett Smith will return to their roles.

Goddard will produce the film with partner Sarah Esberg through their joint production company Goddard Textiles.

"Drew came to Warner Bros. with a new idea that we all believe will be an incredible continuation of the Matrix world, honoring what Lana and Lilly [Wachowski] started over 25 years ago and offering a unique perspective based on his own love of the series and characters. The entire team at Warner Bros Discovery is thrilled to have Drew direct the new Matrix movie, adding his vision to the cinematic canon that the Wachowskis have built here at the studio for a quarter century," said Jesse Ehrman, President of Production, Warner Bros Motion Pictures.

Goddard himself expressed his enthusiasm for the franchise, noting that joining the work on it was extremely valuable for him.

"It's no exaggeration to say that the Matrix films have changed both cinema and my life. Lana and Lilly's exquisite craftsmanship inspires me every day, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to tell stories in their world," he said.

The original 1999 film, The Matrix, tells the story of a computer hacker lured by a beautiful stranger into a cyber underworld where a great war is waged against the real world. This movie revolutionized VFX with its 120-camera action on a green screen. The film combined revolutionary filmmaking techniques and deep philosophy to achieve cult status and generate a significant public outcry.

Goddard, whose films have grossed $1.5 billion at the global box office, received an Oscar nomination for his adapted screenplay for The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon

Four films - "The Matrix," "The Matrix: Reloaded," "The Matrix: Revolution" and "The Matrix: Resurrection" - have grossed $1.8 billion worldwide. The franchise has won four Oscars.