The Matrix Reloaded (2002)
Aka: The Matrix 2.
Director: Andy and Larry Wachowski / Warner Brothers.
Writing credits: Andy and Larry Wachowski.
Producer: Joel Silver.
Also starring (for sure): Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith and singer Aaliyah.
Keanu has signed a deal to act in two "Matrix" sequels where he will receive either 30 million US$ or 15 percent of the gross of the two films, whichever is greater. Empire Online quoted Keanu saying "I just loved the ambition and creativity of the original, So when I was asked if I wanted to do the sequels there was only one answer." And "I can't wait!", Keanu enthused."When I saw what they [the Wachowski brothers] had planned for the rest of the trilogy, I just knew it was going to become something great."
Matrix webmaster Spencer Lamm first talked at The San Diego Comic Convention (August 1999) about the two sequels. The movies will be shot in Australia (Fox Studios, Sydney), back-to-back for 250 days starting in 2001 and released within months of each other in a complete break with cinema marketing tradition.
The planned back-to-back production is expected to inject more than 150 million US$ into Sydney's economy and is expected to help entice other major film projects to the city. [Entertainment News (Australia), November 11, 1999]
Warner hopes to release the movies within months of each other, with the second picture ending in a cliffhanger that's resolved in the third. "The Matrix 2" is set for release Christmas 2002 and "The Matrix 3" in the summer of 2003, according to producer Joel Silver (at The MTV Movie Awards 2000).
Vancouver-born stuntman Steven McMichael (Hugh Jackman's stunt double in "X-Men") has confirmed he'll be Keanu Reeves' stunt double in the next two "The Matrix" movies.
Popcorn magazine reported (May 27, 1999) producers of the sequels are promising to hire Keanu's band Dogstar for the movie soundtrack.
Talking with MSN.Com, Keanu Reeves made a short statement about "The Matrix" sequel - he seems to be certain filming will be happening in Australia (whereas no-one else in the production seems eager to confirm). Anyway here's what Reeves said "We're just doing two movies, and we'll shoot scenes for both simultaneously. I'm going to be in Australia in November. We're going to train for four months and then film for about a year. I've read the scripts, but I'm sworn to secrecy. Almost everybody will be back, including Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss".
Though the details of where they are shooting The Matrix 2 & 3 may seem to be up in the air, it doesn't appear to be the case as far as Carrie-Anne Moss is concerned. While talking to Cinescape Online Cin City columnist, Cindy Pearlman, the actress revealed what she knew about the upcoming production, saying, "We'll be shooting in Australia, San Francisco and Chicago."
According to Darkhorizons.com (October 10, 2000): The winner is...Sydney. Keanu Reeves seem sure, now Producer Joel Silver finally confirms that Sydney has been selected as the location for shooting on the next two "Matrix" flicks. Silver says "We talked about possibly shooting in the UK, like we talked about shooting in Germany or Rome. But looking at all the different places, it was strictly a financial decision. It's all based on the economics. As we did the first shoot in Sydney and there were economic benefits to doing such, we decided to shoot the others there, too". Nevertheless Australia isn't the only location they'll be shooting - Chicago and San Fransisco are also on the list with small segments of the film to be shot in the Windy City and the Bay Area starting March 6th.
According to Chip Johnson (SF Gate, January 2, 2001) a film industry source (requesting anonymity) said that much of the movie will be shot in Australia. Oakland, Alameda and possibly other Bay Area locations will be used for some street scenes. "Oakland will get some filming," the industry guy said. There has also been discussion in city offices about some of the requirements for the film, which could include closing a section of Interstate 880 for a high-speed chase scene.
The second installment of the Matrix film series will be called "The Matrix Reloaded" and will hit theaters in 2002, EW.com reported (May 9, 2001). Writer-directors Larry and Andy Wachowski began principal photography March 26, 2001, in Oakland, California. The cast will add Jada Pinkett Smith and singer Aaliyah, both of whom have reportedly signed on for the as yet untitled third Matrix film as well, EW reported.
Reloaded will continue shooting in Oakland through June, before taking a summer hiatus, during which the Wachowskis will concentrate on editing and special effects. The cast and crew will then reassemble in September at Fox Studios in Sydney to complete filming.
Well... i beleive it's official, I got an e-mail from the head site (whatishthematrix.com) on 11/19/01 and it said the the Third sequel folowing The Matrix Revisited will be names "REVOLUTIONS". I can't say this is official yet, but I will soon find out and post it here.
§çrîp† Tð Thé Mâ†rîx
