The Matrix was an industry changing film on several levels, from ground-breaking visual effects to an entirely new way of shooting action sequences, all mixed together with an extra dose of "cool." It quickly earned itself a pair of sequels in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions which unfortunately, didn't quite live up to the stature of the original film about Neo, Morpheus and the rest of the human resistance.

While the Wachowskis brought some cool characters and arguably the best soundtrack and fight sequences with Reloaded, it laid a curious path for the trilogy conclusion, Revolution, which was all kinds of bad - for fans and critics alike. The trilogy seemingly saw the end of Keanu Reeves' messianic character, Neo, but many expected he would rise again and according to Keanu Reeves, that's actually the plan.

Ain't It Cool News loyalist "El Nino" sent in info about Reeves speaking at "London school of performing Arts university"  - which I think means the London International School Of Performing Arts - as a keynote speaker. During the presentation, Keanu apparently provided updates on The Matrix 4 & 5 (both in 3D), Bill and Ted 3 as well as a modern adaptation of Robin Hood.

Before we get into the report, my problem with this is that no one else has reported directly about the event, not even the school which is not named correctly in the email sent to AICN. My immediate reaction is to believe it's false as not one of the reporting sites has verified it. I sent the school a message about the Reeves guest appearance and to Warner Bros. about the news below and will update when I hear back, but here are the key points from the email for you to chew on in the meantime:

[UPDATE: The Senior Administrator for the London International School of Performing Arts informed me that Keanu Reeves made no appearance there, assuming that's the correct school. We're waiting on WB for more info.]

[UPDATE 2: Keanu's rep and the studio confirmed that this is entirely fabricated. The only somewhat true part is about the future Robin Hood script, which we knew about already, but it didn't cost anywhere near as much as $5 million.]

  • He's currently on a 6-month workout regiment, training for a 3D Rated-R Samurai action film (47 Ronin).
  • He's committed to Bill and Ted 3.
  • Wachowskis told him over holidays that they finished script treatments for Matrix 4 and 5 which would bring Neo back.
  • Wachowskis have consulted with James Cameron for advice on shooting them in 3D - They're looking to again bring something entirely new for audiences visually.
  • Talk will resume about The Matrix sequels after Wachowskis finish working on Cloud Atlas.
  • Wachowskis sold the rights to the most expensive script ever ($5 million) to Warner Bros. for a future-based version of Robin Hood that will star Will Smith.

It all sounds good to me (whether true or not is yet to be seen), especially another new franchise for Will Smith. I miss him.

As hesitant as I am about a return to The Matrix, I know I'd be there opening night to see it. However, they're setting what may be an impossible bar to reach if they hope to revolutionize the industry again. With them possibly shooting another two sequels back-to-back, I fear it may be another milking of the cash cow and a case of quantity over quality. That being said, Reeves promised he's dedicated to the fans on this one and would only deliver another installment "worth of the title" of The Matrix.

What do you think of these rumored updates from Keanu Reeves?

Share your thoughts in the comments and with us on Twitter @rob_keyes and @screenrant.

Source: AICN