Franchise newcomer Neil Patrick Harris was amazed by filming on The Matrix 4, stating it did not feel as though he was shooting a big blockbuster. The Matrix 4 cast Harris at a secret part in 2019, linking returning stars Keanu Reeves (Neo), Carrie-Ann Moss (Trinity), and Jada Pinkett-Smith (Niobe) from the franchise. Other newcomers in the cast include Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Henwick, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Jonathan Groff, who are all appearing in undisclosed functions also. Filming took place in 2020, interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, but is reportedly complete, before a December 22 release on HBO Max and in theaters.
Little is called The Matrix 4, despite its release in less than 11 months. In reality, aside from the new logo being revealed, there has been no official promotional material released by Warner Bros… Many had expected there could be a teaser trailer released for the Super Bowl, but that never materialized, and rumours of this new title, allegedly Matrix Resurrection, were immediately shot down by WB. Still, Harris and other celebrities have always been pressed for specifics of the much-anticipated fourth film in the franchise, and also the celebrity has previously teased that The Matrix 4 is very distinct, at least visually, by the original trilogy. And that is to do with how it had been shot.
Harris states that contrary to most large blockbusters, working on The Matrix 4 felt”intimate.” He states that manager Lana Wachowski, helming without her sister Lily for the first time in the franchise, would frequently film”about the fly. . .using natural mild,” and that there could sometimes be times where they would picture multiple pages in 30 minutes. In contrast, most blockbusters aim to shoot at a page every day, making production on The Matrix 4 incredibly quick if Harris is to be considered. The actor adds he thinks Wachowski’s approach was informed by the long productions on the first trilogy, saying she”wishes to do things her own way today .” You can read his full remarks below:
“It did not feel big because it felt like she had been in her sweet place, which had been filming on the fly, filming using natural light. At times you’d sit around for an hour waiting for the clouds to clear, and then you’d quickly film. You’d film pages at a time in 30 minutes and then be done. You would think that a giant film could be 100% storyboarded, animatics, and we’d be checking off shots. I believe she dwelt that before three times over, and I’d guess that she wants to do things her own way today. It was not often that you believed that you were doing something gigantic because she made it feel quite intimate.
Harris’ revelation is surprising, particularly since The Matrix 4 is expected to be a large, action-filled blockbuster in the same vein as the original 3 movies. The actor could be telling a little white lie, obviously, focusing on the quicker, dialogue-filled scenes and failing to mention the larger, action-filled set pieces. He might also have been cast in a role that required very little participation in any action scenes, which explains exactly why he felt that the shoot was intimate. But his remarks are surprising however.
There is very little doubt The Matrix 4 is going to be a significant film, as it’s one of Warner Bros.’ most significant releases of 2021, alongside other sci-fi jobs such as Dune and the superhero film The Suicide Squad. With a number of theories swirling regarding the storyline, including one which sees Neo dying in order to have humanity, it would be surprising if it didn’t feature at least two or even three groundbreaking action scenes, similar to the way The Matrix featured a number of kinetic setpieces. But obviously, in addition, there are other scenes that were shot in a more effective manner, helping Harris and the rest of the throw to feel a more intimate vibe on set.