Caution: spoilers ahead for The Matrix Resurrections

What are the chances of The Matrix 5 happening now The Matrix Resurrections has finally arrived? Released in 1999, The Matrix was a perfect cinematic representation of pre-millennium fear from the Wachowski sisters, and left an impression upon the sci-fi and action genres that has yet to fade. Characters, quotes, costumes, and concepts have all entered the cultural consciousness, and though 2003's double-tap of sequels (The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions) failed to make the same impression, the trilogy remains a landmark piece of film history.

Which makes the 18-year gap before The Matrix Resurrections all the more curious. Despite unending rumors of a continuation or reboot, the Wachowskis staunchly resisted a fourth Matrix movie, but that inevitable announcement finally came in 2019. The Matrix Resurrections has now been unleashed upon the world, picking up 60 years after the original trilogy's ending. A new threat has emerged, Neo and Trinity have been brought back, and there's a major sense of déjà vu as the events of 1999 repeat themselves.

Related: The Matrix Resurrections Credits Scene Explained: Do They Think It's Funny?

While avoiding a cliffhanger, The Matrix Resurrections' ending is open-ended to a degree. Does this mean The Matrix 5 is on the horizon? And what might happen in a potential sequel? Here are all the Matrix 5 details we have so far.

Will The Matrix 5 Happen?

Keanu Reeves as Neo in a garage in The Matrix Resurrections

Early signs regarding The Matrix 5's chances are mixed but, if we're being honest, leaning toward the negative. Heading straight to source, Lana Wachowski replied with a firm "No" when asked about The Matrix Resurrections instigating a whole new trilogy (via AP), which tells us there are no firm plans - in her mind, at least - for Matrix 5. Of course, that doesn't mean a sequel won't happen. The Wachowskis spent years turning Warner Bros. down before one of them eventually relented, so no one can definitively rule out a Matrix 5 further down the line. Also, Lana shot down rumors of a whole new trilogy - not a single follow-up to The Matrix Resurrections.

As you'd expect, Warner Bros. are talking more positively about The Matrix 5. According to Ann Sarnoff (WarnerMedia CEO), they're ready with the green stamp of approval any time Lana Wachowski wants to plug into the Matrix (via Deadline), so whether or not The Matrix 5 happens is clearly dependent on getting the director aboard. Though Sarnoff would obviously prefer Lana behind the wheel, The Matrix Resurrections has Jonathan Groff drop the line, "Warner Brothers has decided to make a sequel... they informed me they're going to do it with or without us." Maybe just a gag making full use of creative license, the line could, however, hint toward Warner pushing ahead with The Matrix 5 regardless.

The Matrix 5: How Resurrections Sets Up Another Sequel

The Analyst with transparent blue glasses in The Matrix Resurrections

The Matrix Resurrections concludes with Neo and Trinity overcoming Neil Patrick Harris' Analyst - the villain behind the new Matrix and the program responsible for reigniting war. Come the final scene, The Analyst bears little threat, but The Matrix Resurrections leaves other threads dangling. For starters, Neo and Trinity declare their intention to reshape the Matrix into a more wholesome place - a future that carries storyline potential in itself. Additionally, it's clear the Analyst is answering to a higher Machine power (referred to as "the Suits"), and The Matrix Resurrections also hints human bluepills might've sided with the enemy (just as some Machines turned good), leaving a potential antagonist for The Matrix 5.

Related: The Matrix Resurrections: Who Plays The Real Neo?

The most natural story continuation, however, would involve Jonathan Groff's Agent Smith. After helping out Neo and Trinity against The Analyst (a mutual enemy, apparently), Smith declares their uneasy alliance over and slinks off into the night. A roaming Smith isn't exactly conducive to a peaceful Matrix, and his new machinations could form part of a new story for The Matrix 5.

The Matrix 5 Cast: Who Will Return After Resurrections?

Groff As Agent Smith in Matrix Resurrections

After a relatively bloodless finale, one would imagine most members of The Matrix Resurrections' cast would return for any future The Matrix 5. The tandem of Neo and Trinity is now integral to the franchise, making Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Annie Moss essential inclusions, and as mentioned above, Jonathan Groff's Smith would be the logical villain. The humans of Io - Jessica Henwick's Bugs, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's "Morpheus," Jada Pinkett Smith's Niobe, Priyanka Chopra Jonas' Sati, etc... - would all be expected, and there's much more mileage in Neil Patrick Harris' Analyst - though not as a main antagonist. Given his... odd role in The Matrix Resurrections, perhaps don't expect Lambert Wilson's Merovingian back.

The Matrix 5 Release Date Prediction

matrix resurrections

Pinning a release date to The Matrix 5 is tricky, given the lack of any real indication the  film is happening. From announcement to premiere, The Matrix Resurrections took a little over 2 years to produce, which means The Matrix 5 wouldn't arrive until 2024 at the very earliest, even if production began immediately. Of course, that's without taking into account time spent convincing Lana Wachowski to make the thing.

More: Why The Matrix Resurrections Reviews Are So Mixed