With a newMatrixfilm on the way from Warner Bros. andThe Cabin in the Woodsdirector Drew Goddard, it will be interesting to see what mind-bending twists the new sci-fi film will have in store.Goddard’s work is known for its bold and inventive subversions of genre expectations–Cabin in the Woodsparticularly, with its wittily inventive subversion of the slasher genre. Likewise,The Matrixfranchisehas always defined itself by its subversion of expectations and its revolutionary storylines, causing many viewers to question the reality of the film itself.
Additionally, theupcomingMatrix5will be the first entry in the franchise to be made without the direct involvement of The Wachowskis. Therefore, more than ever before, the newMatrix filmmust distinguish itself from past entries. To that end, there is one particularly revolutionary aspect of the mythos, specifically, one particular canonical ability that has yet to make its first appearance in live-action that could stand to be officially introduced to mainstream audiences. This concept would turn even long-timeMatrixmovie fans on their heads.
The New Matrix Movie Should Feature Self-Substantiation
Self-Substation Debuted In The Animatrix
In the original film,Neo is offered a choice between the red pill and the blue pill by Morpheus.Neo does not know it at the time, but he is really being offered a choice between the safe and docile simulation of the titular “matrix” and the harsh reality of life outside the simulation. As Morpheus says in a now iconic line from the first film, initially made so before even the original film’s release due to its usage in a trailer:“No one can be told what the Matrix is, you have to see it for yourself”.
InThe Animatrix’s “World Record,” athlete Dan Davis wakes up from the simulation by himself after pushing his body and mind to the limit during a sprint.
This means that Neo, who is “The One” and thus the savior of the entire franchise, must be “told” the true nature of his reality by way of Morpheus offering him the red pill. For all his innate and unique abilities,Neo was still defined by that limitation and had to be shown the way.
This was a very clearly established rule set up by the first film: one cannot escape the Matrix without outside assistance. However, this is not always the case inThe Matrixuniverse.The aforementioned ability of “Self-Substantiation” allows someone within the Matrix to free themselves from its insidious influence by sheer force of will, circumventing the need for the red pill entirely.
Matrix’s Self-Substantiation Has Never Been Featured In Live-Action
The Matrix Universe Goes Beyond The Live-Action Movies
This ability has been cryptically mentioned in live-action before, though never seen. Morpheus mentions that the founder of Zion, the first human to break free from the system, did so entirely on his own. However, the veracity of this claim is suspect, as within the fictional universe ofThe Matrixitself, the scarcity of knowledge about human life before The Machines took over means that cryptic rumors and legends are all they have to go off of. However, in expanded universe content and spin-offs such as theanthological anime filmAnimatrix,as well as other novels and comics within the universe, exceptional individuals have been shown to be able to do so.
Final Flight of the Osiris
Andy Jones
The character of “The Kid”, as seen in the two originalMatrixsequels, was revealed to have performed this featin a segment of theAnimatrixfilm, a prequel that detailed his origin story. As stated in the aforementioned film, only exceptional people with"a rare degree of intuition, sensitivity, and a questioning nature" are able to free themselves from their intense sense of scrutiny and skepticism from The Matrix.
As has been established, while there are characters who hint at this ability or have demonstrated it in expanded materials, it has never been included in live-action. By including this long-heralded and mysteriously legendary ability, the new film can revitalize the franchise while also attracting deep-cut fans.
Matrix 5’s New Protagonist Must Be Different Enough From Neo
The Blue Pill, Red Pill Routine Could Be Changed
The iconic influence of Keanu Reeves the actor and Neo the protagonist looms large over the franchise. Aside from the behind-the-scenes creative shakeup, this is also the first film that seemingly seeks to move beyond the story of Neo and “The One”. Allowing for the new protagonist of this film to achieve something entirely new and extraordinary that even Neo was unable to accomplish on his own would allow it to boldly assert itself as a brave reinvention of the franchise that pushes the boundaries of what’s come before.
The Matrix 5 Can Finally Deliver On The Franchise’s Ultimate Untold Prequel Story
The Matrix 5 has several intriguing potential story directions, but one would not only help revive the franchise but also honor the original films.
The Matrixis all about subverting and transcending boundaries, and by introducing a new character who is arguably even more powerful and intractable than Neo, the film would place viewers in a story that respects what has come before, builds upon the lesser-known legends of the universe, and opens the door to an exciting new reality of unknown cinematic achievements.
The Matrix
The Matrix is a sci-fi action franchise that launched with the Wachowskis' 1999 film. It depicts a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality by sentient machines. The protagonist, Neo, discovers this truth and that he is “The One,” a being that will lead a rebellion against the machines and restore freedom to humanity.
