Keanu Reeves reflects on how ‘The Matrix’ “changed” his life
Reflecting on the legacy of The Matrix to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie, star Keanu Reeves acknowledged the transformative impact of the film on his life.
The legendary sci-fi film first hit cinemas in the spring of 1999, therefore, 2024 sees the picture celebrate turning 25. Upon release, The Matrix stunned viewers with its futuristic visual effects and action scenes. It also propelled its star, Reeves, to international success and secured his place as a leading figure in the action genre.
Now, Reeves has reflected on the enduring influence of The Matrix, noting that it changed his life, during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He went on to acknowledge that the transformative impact of the movie extends to audiences, too.
“Over these years, it’s changed so many other people’s lives in really positive and great ways,” he continued, noting the fulfilment this brings to an actor. “As an artist,” he explained, “you hope for that when you get to do a film or tell a story.”
“The amount of people that I have met who have said to me and been touched by The Matrix in such a positive way…” he concluded, “It’s the best.”
After the success of the original film, The Matrix received two sequels in the early 2000s. In 2021, the series was revived when Lana Wachowski helmed The Matrix Resurrections. For the next instalment, Wachowski will take on a producer role while Drew Goddard has been announced to direct.
This will mark the first time the Wachowskis have passed off directing duties to another filmmaker. Goddard has previously worked on a number of projects across the sci-fi and action genres, including World War Z in 2013 and The Martian in 2015. he also wrote for Lost and Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the 2000s. Reeves’ return to the series has not yet been confirmed.
Currently, the star is promoting his first novel, The Book of Elsewhere. Written in collaboration with China Miévelle, the story works alongside Reeves’ existing comic book universe, BRZRKR. It will follow a character called ‘B’ through his attempts to overcome his immortality.
Reeves is set to return to the role of John Wick next year for John Wick Presents: Ballerina, which will also mark the fifth film in the franchise. Len Wiseman is set to direct, while new cast members include Ana De Armas and Gabriel Byrne.
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