Tag: Matrix 4

Posted on in Film News

AT&T CEO Suggests New Release Model For WB Films Will Extend Beyond 2021

Yesterday, WarnerMedia announced that they would be releasing their 2021 slate with a new day-and-date model releasing their films the same day on HBO Max (for one month) and theatrically. Those 17 films will include The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho, and Matrix 4.

While speaking with Deadline, WarnerMedia’s Jason Kilar dodged their question about what 2022 would look like moving forward.

KILNAR: “As to what the world looks like after 2021, I have no grand proclamations to make. Our focus, candidly, is on the here and now. We’re focused on getting through this pandemic like any business is, and we’re putting a lot of brain cells against what the right thing is to do to serve fans and to serve partners and to server ourselves. And all those things are important to do and that’s what our focus is, obviously that is what we announced today.”

However, AT&T CEO John Stankey seemingly jumped into future when asked by The Washington Post if they’d return to normal business practices including severing the day-and-date model they announced yesterday once the pandemic recedes. Stating the following which sounds a lot like they’re keen to keep this model.

STANKEY: “In March, we unleashed a new normal in society. That horse left the barn. I don’t think any of us are going to change that dynamic.”

Stankey did highlight the importance of movie theaters but didn’t really go into extensive detail what that relationship will look like post-pandemic. It’ll be interesting to see the reactions of domestic theaters who are going to be the most impacted if this model becomes a permanent thing as they’ll be in direct competition with HBO Max (a domestic streaming service).

You can watch that exchange below they start talking about the announcement around the 43 minute mark.

It was also mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter that WarnerMedia partners like Legendary Entertainment weren’t even told about the day-and-date model prior to the announcement and were just as blindsided as theaters. Legendary is behind WB’s massive upcoming releases such as Dune and Godzilla vs Kong.

SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON POST

Posted on in Film News

‘Dune’, ‘Godzilla vs Kong’, ‘The Suicide Squad’, ‘Mortal Kombat’, ‘Matrix 4’, and Other WB Films Heading To HBO Max

Today, it was announced by WarnerMedia (via Deadline) that they’ll be moving their entire 2021 slate to HBO Max for a month of exclusive domestic access the same day as the theatrical release.

Following the one month HBO Max access period domestically, each film will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title.

Those features include The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho, and Matrix 4.

Here is an excerpt from the WarnerMedia press release on Medium.

We have big news to share. As many of you know, Wonder Woman 1984 is going to be released worldwide in theaters later this month. In the United States, we will also be making the movie available on HBO Max at no extra cost the same day that Wonder Woman 1984 premieres in theaters (for the first month of the film’s release).

We are announcing today that, in the United States, the entire anticipated 17-film 2021 Warner Bros. motion picture slate is going to be released throughout the coming year in theaters and on HBO Max the same day. That’s a Warner Bros. motion picture just about once every three weeks.

HBO Max released this promo video as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGy16GQHz-g

This would be a massive shakeup for regular theatrical windows and it will be interesting if other studios such as Disney follows this model by placing their 2021 slate on Disney+ in a similar manner. I’m sure this move is likely due to HBO Max not hitting targeted growth given that it’s a domestic streaming service. It’s unknown if HBO Max subscribers will have to pay any additional fees but Wonder Woman 1984 is expected to be free with a subscriptions when it drops later this month on the service.

UPDATE: The films will not be given an added fee.

…we will also be releasing them the same day on HBO Max, at no extra cost, for the first month of each film’s release. 

In Canada, I’m with Bell Media’s Crave that has an exclusive deal for HBO and HBO Max content. It’ll be interesting to see how they plan to do this in Canada and the United Kingdom.

SOURCE: WARNER MEDIA

Posted on in Film News

Jessica Henwick Has Been Pitching “Jess Wick” For ‘John Wick 4’ To Keanu Reeves On ‘Matrix 4’ Set

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote her film Love & Monsters, Matrix 4 actress Jessica Henwick (Game of Thrones, Iron Fist, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Godzilla vs Kong) revealed she has been pitching to co-star Keanu Reeves on the idea of playing “Jess Wick” at the very end of John Wick: Chapter 4. She states that John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski is coming to the Matrix 4 set in two weeks and plans on giving him the pitch as well.

HENWICK: “So I pitch Jess Wick to Keanu all the time. I’m probably driving him crazy. I was like, ‘Okay, Keanu, listen to me. Boom. John Wick 4, last 5 minutes, credits roll, post-credit sequence. Boom! You see my face, Jess Wick.’ I just started acting it out and then he started acting it out, too. We put on this little ten-minute show of what Jess Wick and John Wick would be like. Chad Stahelski, the director of all the John Wick movies, is flying out in two weeks, I think. So I’m going to go straight up to him and I’m going to say it.”

Henwick is said to be playing a Neo-type character in the Matrix sequel and we’ve seen Chad court actors that have previously worked with Keanu in the past. It might be in their interest to add someone like Jessica with stunt/actor experience for what new roles they want to include if it’s Jess Wick or not.

Once Matrix 4 is completed there is an expectation that John Wick: Chapter 4 and John Wick: Chapter 5 will be shot back-to-back with franchise creator Derek Kolstad suggesting that Chapter 5 could be the final film in the John Wick Saga.

We know that a female-focused spinoff that is in the works at Lionsgate titled Ballerina with Underworld director Len Wiseman attached and there is a good shot that actress might appear in the next two John Wick films to help bridge their connections to the same cinematic universe.

Matrix 4 is set to be released on December 22nd, 2021 and John Wick: Chapter 4 is expected to be out on May 27th, 2022.

SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Posted on in Television News

Jessica Henwick Says There Were “Light Discussions” For ‘Daughters of The Dragon’ Spinoff Series At Marvel Television/Netflix

Comic Book Movie was able to speak with Iron Fist actress Jessica Henwrick while promoting her upcoming film Love & Monsters revealing there were light talks from Marvel Television and Netflix about making a Daughters of The Dragon series featuring characters Colleen Wing and Misty Knight (played by Simone Missick) in their own superhero adventures. Something fans had been asking for since the characters showed up in Luke Cage and Iron First.

HENWICK: “There had been very light discussions about Daughters of the Dragon happening which I would have loved because working opposite Simone [Missick] was such a dream, and I think she’s so talented and perfect for the role.

“I do remember some very vague discussions, but you keep your fingers crossed and never know what’s going to happen in this industry. I’m just glad I got to play such an incredible arc with Colleen and I feel very happy that we ended on such a high note for her.”

Henwick is currently working on Matrix 4, where she is reportedly playing a Neo-type character in the new sequel.

With Marvel Television now under the purview of Kevin Feige and rebranded as Marvel TV Studios the relationship with Netflix has been severed, how or when Marvel will want to use the Netflix characters remains to be seen. It’s neat to know that Marvel Television was at least considering giving the Daughters of The Dragon their own show.

SOURCE: COMIC BOOK MOVIE

Posted on in Film News

‘Matrix 4’ Moves From April 1st, 2022 To December 22nd, 2021 – ‘Black Adam’ Pulled From Schedule

When a majority of movies are being delayed over and over, Warner Bros. has announced that Matrix 4 will be moved up from April 1st, 2022 to December 22nd, 2021. This move will allowing fans to see the film earlier than expected.

However, with this good news it is at the expensive of Dwayne Johnson’s DC Comics film Black Adam that has been removed from the schedule for the time being. It’s expected to land a new date but likely wasn’t going to hit that prime holiday spot on December 22nd, 2021.

The sequel’s cast includes Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Daniel Bernhardt, Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Henwick, Ibarra, Neil Patrick Harris, Toby Onwumere, Brian J. Smith, Eréndira Ibarra, Andrew Caldwell, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Ellen Hollman.

Matrix 4 is currently film in Berlin, Germany.

SOURCE: WARNER BROS.

Posted on in Film News

‘John Wick’ Actor Daniel Bernhardt Returning For ‘Matrix 4’ – Reprising Agent Johnson Role From ‘The Matrix: Reloaded’

Deadline reports that John Wick and Atomic Blonde actor Daniel Bernhardt will return to the Matrix franchise as he’ll reprise the Agent Johnson role for Matrix 4, currently shooting in Berlin, Germany.

Daniel Berhardt as Agent Johnson in The Matrix: Reloaded

Daniel is close with both directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, who are said to be helping with crafting the action sequences alongside Matrix 4 director Lana Wachowski. Chad and David had been integral to the action of the previous three films.

There is a good chance that Daniel’s Agent Johnson is taking over the role originally meant for Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith, before Lana changed her mind about having Weaving return.

Bernhardt’s most recent credits include Netflix’s Altered Carbon, HBO’s Barry, and the DC Comics film Birds of Prey.

The sequel’s cast includes Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Henwick, Ibarra, Neil Patrick Harris, Toby Onwumere, Brian J. Smith, Eréndira Ibarra, Andrew Caldwell, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Ellen Hollman.

The Matrix 4 is expected to be ready for a release date of April 1st, 2022.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Posted on in Film News

Hugo Weaving Says Lana Wachowski Pulled The Plug On His Return For ‘Matrix 4’

A while back, Hugo Weaving had cited scheduling issues as the reason he ultimately wouldn’t be returning for the fourth Matrix film after there had been interest from director Lana Wachowski for the actor to reprise the role of Agent Smith. 

However, Weaving has now given a more detailed explanation of what happened behind the scenes during a recent interview with Coming Soon. This new version suggests that his reaction to the script may have led to Lana having second thoughts about having Hugo return as during the negotiation stage she decided against it.  

WEAVING: “Lana Wachowski had rung me at the beginning of last year. We’ve worked together five times, the Wachowski’s and I on three Matrix films, V for Vendetta and Cloud Atlas. I’ve hung out with them all over the world for many, many years. So, yes, Lana was very keen for me to be involved in The Matrix. There was a reading with Keanu, Carrie, and myself and a few others from the old family.”

“I loved a lot of it and wasn’t sure about other bits. Ultimately, we talked about it and when the offer came through to do it for Warner’s I said yes the next day and I talked to Lana.”

“I thought we could have done my scenes in May, June, and July; and we talked about money and we talked about — they were negotiating,” Weaving added. “And we were all pretty much sorted and agreed on dates and it was all fine, but then Lana decided she didn’t think it was going to work. So, she pulled the plug on the negotiations. That’s where it ended up. She basically didn’t feel that my commitment to the National Theatre was going to fit in with the dates that she had in mind for me.”

“It was a shame in one way that I couldn’t be with them all in Berlin, but that was her call. So, that was it really. I know they then started shooting in San Francisco and they were going to shoot in Chicago and they ended up starting in Berlin but it was shut down. But they restarted again. I don’t know how they’re going, but, yeah, it would be lovely to be over there to hang out with them all. I’m very fond of Keanu and Carrie. I haven’t seen them for a while. But I look forward to seeing it.”

Sometimes directors have second guesses when it comes to the creative/casting stage and if things just don’t feel like a good fit during the meeting process it might not pan-out. This isn’t the first time an actor thought they were returning for a sequel and it didn’t come together.

Laurence Fishburne is also not expected to reprise the Morpheus role either.

As Weaving points out he has an excellent relationship with Lana and I’m sure they’ll find something to work on in the future. 

Filming is currently underway at Babelsberg Studio just outside of Berlin, Germany. 

The cast of Matrix 4 includes returning actors such as Keanu Reeves as Neo, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, and Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe. New additions include Jessica Henwick (Godzilla vs Kong, Iron Fist, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) playing a new version of Neo/The One, Neil Patrick Harris (Starship Troopers, Gone Girl), Toby Onwumere, Erendira Ibarra (Sense8), and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Aquaman).

There is an expectation if successful the studio will move forward with two sequels to complete a new trilogy. 

John Wick directors Chad Stahleski and David Leitch returned to help with action sequences on the film that would be shot by Lana herself, normally handled by a stunt coorindator/2nd unit director given the danger involved with capturing action shots. 

Warner Bros. has given the sequel/soft-reboot a release date of April 1st, 2022. 

SOURCE: COMING SOON

Posted on in Film News

‘John Wick 4’ and ‘John Wick 5’ Expected To Shoot Back-To-Back According To Lionsgate

Mr. Wick is coming back for two more movies!

Earlier in the year, John Wick creator Derek Kolstad suggested that John Wick: Chapter 5 could be the final installment of the franchise, it looks like Lionsgate is indeed moving forward with that installment much sooner than we had expected. 

On the Lionsgate earnings call yesterday (via The Hollywood Reporter), CEO Jon Feltheimer revealed their current plan is to hopefully shoot both John Wick: Chapter 4 and John Wick: Chapter 5 back-to-back. 

Hinting they could both begin production next year depending on Keanu’s schedule. 

FELTHEIMER: “We’re also busy preparing scripts for the next two installments of our John Wick action franchise, with John Wick 4 slated to hit theaters Memorial Day weekend 2022. We hope to shoot both John Wick 4 and 5 back-to-back when Keanu becomes available early next year.”

This is likely due to the delays on John Wick 4 after Keanu’s filming of Matrix 4 happened to land squarely during the pandemic and production was ultimately paused until recently where it seemingly has resumed in Germany. 

It would be expected that both director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeve are returning for John Wick 5. 

Pushing forward with John Wick 5 is likely more of a way to finalize the franchise and making sure they have everything tied up in a nice bow, the extra development time during the pandemic also possibly led to the fifth installment being pushed into script phases. Another reason could be to essentially shoot it as one big movie and save production costs. 

Filming on John Wick: Chapter 4 is expected to begin sometime next year once Keanu completes his work on Matrix 4 and the studio recently gave it a new release date of May 27th, 2022. 

The fourth installment is expected to see John (Reeves) and The Bowery King (Fishburne) going to war with The High Table, the mysterious group that controls their violent world of assassins. 

This would further delay Chad’s Highlander reboot as well. 

Lionsgate is also looking to expand the franchise with spinoffs including a Starz series titled The Continental and Len Wiseman’s upcoming female-led action flick Ballerina both directly set in the world of John Wick. 

SOURCE: LIONSGATE

Posted on in Film News

Warner Bros. Delays The Releases of ‘Tenet’, ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’, and ‘Matrix 4’

Despite adamant exhibitors and industry folk alike that had been betting big on Christopher Nolan’s Tenet sticking to it’s original July 17th release date, Warner Bros. announced yesterday the science fiction espionage film would be getting a slight delay (two weeks) opening instead on July 31st. 

The studio has also moved other tentpole releases to other dates as well. 

Wonder Woman 1984 has yet again been delayed (landing its fourth release date) moving from August 14th to October 2nd.

Godzilla vs. Kong which had been given a release date of November 20th has been bumped to next year and will be coming out on May 21st, 2021. 

That May spot was originally intended for Matrix 4, which has been delayed as well given a new date of April 1st, 2022. Matrix 4, unlike the other films, hasn’t even completed production and is expected to resume filming in Germany sometime soon. 

While most people are just assuming that Tenet will still be able to release next month as planned, the studio has now secured two open spots with August 14th and November 20th after these latest date shifts. Giving the studio two potential buffer dates if they wanted to delay it even further beyond two weeks. 

There is also still the slim possibility that Dune’s December 18th spot could get gobbled-up as well. I could see a handful of unfinished films meant to be released in 2021, like Spider-Man 3 and The Batman (has only shot 25% of it’s scenes) delayed into 2022, just like Matrix 4.

I don’t think we’re quite finished with the musical chairs just yet as there are growing concerns that the second wave of COVID could be bubbling in the United States in the near future as multiple states are seeing a rise in new cases.

This on the heels of stubborn theater chains opening this weekend and attempting to open an even larger number of locations next month. Seems like the industry is eager to get things rolling even if it’s neither wise of safe to do so. 

SOURCE: WARNER BROS. 

Posted on in Film News

Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss Cite Strong Script As Why They Returned For ‘Matrix 4’

I think we were all shocked when a fourth installment in the Matrix franchise was announced with original cast members returning to their roles after rumblings of a possible prequel or reboot being in the works with a Young Morpheus. 

Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves recently spoke with Empire dishing that they were both impressed with the script for Matrix 4 penned by Lana Wachowski, David Mitchell, and Aleksandar Hemon. Citing the script as a key reason for why they were willing to return to their respective roles of Trinity and Neo. 

MOSS: “When it was brought to me in the way that it was brought to me, with incredible depth and all of the integrity and artistry that you could imagine, I was like, ‘This is a gift.’ It was just very exciting.”

Reeves echoes Moss’ comments on the script and adding that he was eager to work with director Lana Wachowski again. 

REEVES: “Lana Wachowski wrote a beautiful script and a wonderful story that resonated with me. That’s the only reason to do it. To work with her again is just amazing. It’s been really special, and the story has, I think, some meaningful things to say, and that we can take some nourishment from.”

Filming had moved onto the German leg of the production after tackling some scenes shot in San Francisco, California before the Coronavirus pandemic paused things and there had been some suggestion that they’d resume sometime soon. 

The rest of the cast includes Jada Pinkett Smith returning as Niobe, Jessica Henwick (Godzilla vs Kong, Iron Fist, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) playing a new Neo-like character, Neil Patrick Harris (Starship Troopers, Gone Girl), Toby Onwumere, Erendira Ibarra (Sense8), Ellen Hollman (Into The Badlands), and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen, Aquaman).

Originally, Warner Bros. had given Matrix 4 a release date of May 21st, 2020 and a new date is most likely going to be announced shortly. 

Keanu Reeves is set to shoot John Wick: Chapter 4 once they complete filming on the Matrix sequel. 

SOURCE: EMPIRE